Berkeley Edges De La Salle 2–1 in Overtime to Advance

Berkeley advanced after a dramatic overtime finish, defeating De La Salle 2–1 in a tightly contested NCS playoff clash between two composed sides who were comfortable building out of the back. Jake Goetting (#30) opened the scoring for Berkeley earlier in the first half, giving the hosts a 1–0 lead before the stretch of play that followed. De La Salle worked to respond through controlled possession, with Preston Spalasso (#23) helping drive the attack forward as the visitors searched for an equalizer.

Much of Berkeley’s rhythm came through the midfield, where Henry Markus (#10) calmly dictated the tempo while linking play between the lines. Alongside him, Henry Banks (#8) combined effectively with winger Jasper Kirsch (#12), creating dangerous movement down the flanks. De La Salle remained organized defensively with center back Ryan Roy (#19) anchoring the back line and helping the visitors absorb Berkeley’s growing pressure.

Berkeley continued to see more of the ball late in the first half and nearly doubled the lead with about five minutes remaining when a dangerous sequence unfolded inside the box, only for a De La Salle defender to step in with a crucial clearance. Moments later Berkeley again threatened through sharp combination play down the right wing, while De La Salle nearly found an equalizer just before the break when a long restart from the goalkeeper created chaos in the area and forced the Berkeley keeper into a difficult save through traffic.

The second half opened with strong defensive work from De La Salle. Alejandro Navarro (#24) produced an early intervention to break up a developing Berkeley attack, and minutes later another promising chance was cut out before it could reach the penalty area. The visitors’ defense continued to stand firm, repeatedly clearing crosses and closing down space inside the box.

Goetting remained a constant threat for Berkeley as the half progressed. With just over twenty minutes remaining he powered his way into the area and unleashed a shot that forced a superb save from the De La Salle goalkeeper, Ellis Toal (#1). Minutes later he again created space near the top of the box after beating two defenders, sending another dangerous effort toward goal as Berkeley continued to push for a second.

Despite the sustained pressure, De La Salle remained dangerous through set pieces and long throws. Bryce Vincent (#8) repeatedly launched towering throws into the Berkeley penalty area, and with 27 minutes remaining the pressure finally paid off. A long throw into the box was flicked on and eventually finished by Preston Spalasso (#23), bringing De La Salle level at 1–1 and shifting the momentum of the match.

Both sides pushed for a winner late in regulation. Goetting fired another attempt that sailed high as Berkeley pressed forward, while De La Salle nearly found a breakthrough on a quick run down the flank by Joey Ospeck (#7), whose cross into the box was gathered by the Berkeley goalkeeper.

Overtime began cautiously as both teams battled through loose balls and midfield scrambles without producing a clear opportunity. Berkeley came closest first when Goetting met a ball inside the area and volleyed just over the crossbar. De La Salle responded moments later with a dangerous cross that narrowly evaded a header inside the box.

The decisive moment arrived shortly after. A long punt forward sparked chaos in the De La Salle penalty area as Goetting fired a shot that was dramatically cleared off the goal line. The rebound fell to Oliver Sensenig (#27), who calmly took a touch before lifting his finish into the top corner to seal the overtime winner and send Berkeley through.

Final Score: Berkeley 2, De La Salle 1 (OT).