Express Slam Legacy 76, Clinch Regional Final Berth
- Updated: July 21, 2017
The storybook debut season of Elm City Express added another chapter on Friday by clinching a spot in the Northeast Regional Final after overpowering Legacy 76 (Va.) in a 4-0 rout at Yale University’s Reese Stadium in New Haven, Ct.
Shaquille Saunchez fired the opening salvo of the regional semifinal showdown inside of 16 minutes when he nodded a corner from Cris Hernandez through from point blank range. Legacy’s Jermaine Reed tested Elm City keeper Matt Jones early in the second half, but it was the closest the guests would get to pulling even.
Not long after Reed’s dangerous run, Hernandez set up the second goal in the 48th minute when he sent a free kick to the far post for Lucas Gabriel Sousa, who directed it centrally for Graciano Brito for the easy tap in to give the hosts breathing room.
To say the hosts were comfortable with their two-goal lead would be misleading, to say the least. In the 66th minute, Saunchez made an impressive 50 yard run into the box and fired a shot that deflected off a Legacy defender before it fell in front of Tavoy Morgan, who easily sent it through.
As if any further proof of Elm City’s dominance was needed, Morgan made it a rout in the 72nd minute when he played a give and go with Sousa, who sent it ahead for the Jamaican international to score.
With the win, the Express will host the winner of Saturday’s Kingston Stockade-Clarkstown FC Eagles semifinal in the Northeast Regional Final on Jul. 29 in New Haven.
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