Medina FC nipped in playoff title game

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Peter Martillotta, who scored the lone Medina FC goal drives the ball up field against a Sporting Cavs defender during the playoff title game this evening at Nichols School in Buffalo.

A late goal proved to be the difference as the Medina Mustangs FC dropped a narrow 2-1 decision to the Sporting Cavs in the championship game of the Buffalo & District Soccer League Championship Division playoffs this evening at Nichols School in Buffalo.

The Sporting Cavs got the game winning goal with about 10 minutes remaining on a shot by Matt Cordovani which snapped a 1-1 deadlock.

The Sporting Cavs also jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first half.

Medina FC put on good pressure early in the second half with two corner opportunities and a pair of direct kicks.

The Mustangs finally tied the game on a penalty kick goal by Peter Martillotta 25 minutes into the second half.

Medina again put on good pressure late in the game but could not score again.

Medina goalie Tyler Ribbeck made 10 saves including a pair of diving stops in the first half.

Both teams advanced to the finals with upset wins in the semifinals. No. 6 Seed Medina FC upset top seeded Buffalo Italia 1-0 and No. 5 Sporting Cavs bested No. 2 Ukraine 2-0.

Medina FC and Sporting Cavs played to a 2-2 tie during the regular season.

Medina finishes the season at 6-5-2 and Sporting Cavs at 7-4-2.

Zak Rowekamp works to gain control of the ball for the Medina FC.