North American team loses penalty kicks, still picks up point for tie

Published: 2007-03-19

ROME (CNS) -- The soccer team of the Pontifical North American College lost in a penalty shootout against the Croatian Seminary in Rome's Clericus Cup tournament. Despite the loss, the North American Martyrs picked up a point for finishing regular time in a 1-1 tie. The March 17 game left the Martyrs near the top of the standings in their division. The tournament, which involves 16 teams made up of students from pontifical colleges and universities, ends in June. The Martyrs were playing without first-string goalie Andrew Roza, who was on a Lenten retreat. Text messages from the sidelines kept Roza informed of the game's progress. North American struck first with a goal by co-captain Daniel O'Mullane, and took a 1-0 lead into halftime. But the Croats came back in the second period to tie the game, forcing the penalty kicks. Croatia converted all five penalty kicks. The Martyrs made three and missed one.

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