It hasn’t been the easiest year for the Harrison boys soccer team, but on Oct. 16, the Huskies were able to author a satisfying conclusion to the regular season. Celebrating senior night against league foe Pelham, Harrison was able to put together one of its most complete performances of the fall, downing the Pelicans 1-0 in a tense overtime contest. 

Harrison struck the decisive blow just six minutes into the first overtime period, when striker Sebastian Merlino collected a pass from Miguel Damian and snuck a low shot right inside of the right post to beat Nolan Proffitt for the win.

Although Merlino was knocked to the ground on the shot attempt, he rose up from the turf just in time to see the ball hit the back of the net. 

“I thought [Proffitt] was going to save it at first but then I saw it stream in,” said Merlino. “But that was all Miguel, who took on three defenders and played me a beautiful pass for the goal.”

The game-winner was a dramatic capper to a back-and-forth game that had seen the Huskies and Pelicans trade runs on a rain-soaked pitch, with no tallies to show for it. In a hard-fought, physical game greatly impacted by the conditions, Pelham managed six shots on goal, all of which were stopped by Jack Ryan, who came away with a shutout victory. 

The Pelicans had previously topped Harrison 1-0 on Sept. 30.

According to Merlino—one of Harrison’s 12 senior players who were honored before the game—the chance to finish out the 2021 season with a league victory at home was a special one. The Huskies finished the regular season with a record of 3-10-2, but played competitive games against a number of top teams. As of press time, it has not been determined whether or not the Huskies have qualified for the postseason—they are currently ranked No. 20 among 29 Class A teams and only 16 are expected to earn a playoff seed—but Merlino said that Saturday’s victory proved that Harrison is not to be taken lightly. 

“It was a huge win for the seniors and this means the world,” he said.  “We’re not dead and we’re going to show what Harrison has if we get the chance.” 

With the loss, Pelham fell to 5-8-2, putting them in a tie with Walter Panas for the No. 20 Class A spot.

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