Mariners Shock Rangers in Opening Round

MADISON, N.J. (November 3, 2010) - Merchant Marine never trailed in the opening round of the Landmark Conference Playoffs and upset the two-seeded Rangers 2-1 at home.

Drew (12-3-3, 5-1-1 Landmark) played from behind for most of the game after an early Mariner goal. The Rangers wouldn't put a goal in the scoreboard until the 69th minute when  Jesse Puzio (Pequannock, N.J./Pequannock) drilled a loose ball into the left side of the net just out of the reach of the outstretched goalie.

The Rangers seemed to capture the game's momentum after the equalizer and would get plenty of chances for a go-ahead goal. The Ranger offense unleashed 22 shots in on the Merchant Marine (10-2-4, 4-1-2 Landmark) defense.

Drew's offensive attack had three shots turned away by goalkeeper Gary Poulin in the final 20 minutes of play. the Mariners landed the gamewinning goal with 3:16 remaining on the scoreboard sealing the upset victory.

The Rangers outshot the Mariners 22-6 on the night and and seven more corners.

Merchant Marine will move on to the Landmark Conference Championship game for the first time and play host to Catholic University on Saturday.