The Panthers advanced to the NJCAA Division II National Championship with a 2-1 victory over CCBC Essex in two overtimes on Friday night.
Luis Escalante hit the game-winner in the second overtime, which came off a deflection that was first hit by Rafael Silverio. CCBC Essex couldn't react in time and the Panthers celebrated moments later when Escalante connected on the left side of the net.
It was complete jubilation for Escalante and the Panthers. Hitting his fourth game-winner of the season, the star helped push the Panthers to the National Championship!
Despite winning 19 in a row, the story at Nationals has been about their comebacks. The Panthers are the No. 4 seed and they have been among the better squads in the country all season, but they had to reach down deep and come from behind in all three games thus far.
Trailing 1-0 to Southeastern early in the game, they battled back to win in overtime 2-1. Despite trailing to Pima 2-0, they came back and won 3-2 in regulation.
Lastly, we saw another comeback on Friday night to force a second overtime despite trailing 1-0 late in regulation. Matheus Milani tied it up with a beautiful header, which forced overtime.
Escalante took care of business in the second overtime and the number of threats to score on the Panthers is what makes them so challenging to contain for 90-plus minutes.
Juan Franco has been the head coach since the program went intercollegiate in 1998 and his 319 career wins have been incredible to watch. The players all believe in one another and it is a credit to their head coach.
"This has been such a great experience. It's like I've said before and for most of the season, we have fighters on this team. We play confidently and regardless of the score, we are fighters and anything can happen with this group. This team is family and the most important thing about this team is their unity. My guys are amazing, another very close finish. I give thanks to them because I love this team. We never stop fighting and are the most amazing warriors. We never stop," said Franco.
Friday night's match featured two of the top-scoring offenses in the nation. CCBC Essex had several elite scorers from a production standpoint, but they were neutralized by the Panther defenders.
One of the top difference makers on the Panthers has been goalkeeper Gabriel Moreira. Entering the night with eight shutouts, Moreira limited the top-scoring squad in the nation (NJCAA DII) to one goal.
"We worked for this, and it is paying off. When we don't have more legs, our faith, hearts, and determination take over and we keep fighting! We never stop believing. This team is amazing and we are ready to go all the way," said Moreira.
While the team keeps coming back to steal victories, the team has faith that they can accomplish anything together.
"We keep fighting until the clock stops. It has been unbelievable what has happened to us. That's our team. That's how we play," said Moreira.
There won't be too much time to celebrate, with a 3:00 pm (MT) scheduled time for the National Championship against a familiar foe.
Prairie State upset No. 1 seed Phoenix in penalty kicks, 4-2. Two overtimes weren't enough and it's a special season to see a pair of Skyway foes battling it out for a third time. The Panthers will have to dethrone them for a third time, with this one being decided for the NJCAA Division II National Championship.
The Region IV Championship was won in overtime over the Pioneers with a game-winner by Rafael Silverio. The Skyway and Region IV Player of the Year is looking forward to the challenge, for the third time.
"I don't even have words to describe this feeling. Hopefully, it will never fade away. We never give up when trailing because we know how to play under pressure. Even though we already beat Prairie State twice this year, it doesn't mean anything. Saturday is a new game and we're ready to fight for the championship and bring it home to Cicero," said Silverio.
It was on September 13th when the Panthers won 4-3 in regulation. The rematch was for the Region IV title, which was another nail-biter.
The 2-1 overtime victory to clinch an automatic berth was the beginning of this magical run. In fact, they had a few thrillers and comebacks even prior to their matchup with Prairie State.
"We have seen this five games in a row. We honestly believe a lot in each other and we are a family. There have been several times this season when we have made a comeback, so it's not a new situation for any of us. We know that if we can keep the ball on the ground that we will succeed and likely score," said Andreas Sanches.
Joao Rosito has been a star all season for the Panthers. Many were unaware of him prior to Wednesday night's heroics, but he believes his team can play from behind with the best of them. He is also thrilled about Saturday and is looking forward to the challenge against a familiar foe.
"Like always, we had faith through the end, fighting like warriors of God! To keep the momentum we just need to put it in our minds that the last step is Saturday and God will be with us again. The best is yet to come," said Rosito.
Be sure to keep it locked at GoMCPanthers.com and on Twitter @McAthletics1924. If you can't see the Panthers in person, give them a follow on how you can watch and follow every step along the way during their trip to Tucson for the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.
