After a tense battle produced a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation play, the Montgomery College Knights fell 2-1 in overtime to New Jersey’s Raritan Valley Community College in the NJCAA District soccer championships Monday afternoon in Rockville.  Forward Omar Douramadou headed in the winning goal in the third minute of extra time.

The victory moves the New Jersey champs into the NJCAA Division III National Finals this weekend at Germantown’s Maryland SoccerPlex. Raritan Valley enters the final four with a record of 20-1, ranked second in the current national poll. The fourth-ranked Knights end their season with a 16-4-1 record.

Montgomery College led at halftime after a 10-yard volley by midfielder Carlos Stein of Rockville High in the 38th minute. But Raritan Valley tied the score in the 50th minute on a goal by forward Pablo Suarez.

For the Knights, it was a wrenching loss in a tough, physical match with a higher-ranked team. “Today, you played well,“ veteran Montgomery College Coach Tom Bichy told his players afterwards, “you have nothing to hang your heads about.” 

The two-day NJCAA National tournament begins with semi-final games on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. It resumes Sunday with a consolation game at 10 a.m. and the championship match at 1 p.m.

A special “buy-one, get-one-free” offer will apply to tickets purchased by November 9.  Regularly-priced adult tickets, which are $5 each, will be available at the event.  Children will be admitted free.  Corporate sponsors receive special ticket discounts.  For ticket or sponsorship information, call 240-567-5218 or 240-567-7587 or you may e-mail tbichy@mc.cc.md.us.