In a contest between the two defending Centennial Conference champions, Muhlenberg (the tournament champ) provided a dramatic last-second goal in a 1-0 victory over McDaniel (the regular-season champ).

After missing numerous scoring opportunities, the Mules finally took advantage on their last chance, and it came with just five seconds on

Freshman Adison Weseloh, who was given his first career start after scoring goals in back-to-back games, dribbles down the left side during the first half.

the clock.

After a yellow card was handed out on an aggressive Green Terror foul, stopping the clock with 11 ticks left, Muhlenberg (5-1-2, 2-1-1) knew what it had to do to avoid its second consecutive overtime game.

“We had to go all out for those final 11 seconds because we didn’t want to go into overtime again,” said senior back Peter Palomaki. “We just wanted to get out of there with a win.”

The ’Berg did just that, coming up with a miraculous play when sophomore Steve Tenenzapf delivered a pass to Palomaki in front of the net off the direct kick. After a flurry in front, sophomore midfielder Billy Dalton tipped in the senior’s header for the game-winner.

“Steve gave me a great ball to my head, and I tried to get it in,” Palomaki explained, “but Billy ended up giving us the result that we were looking for.”

The Muhlenberg bench, which was showing signs of frustration after many missed chances, erupted after the goal. After taking 10 shots in the first half, the Mules were held at bay, with four second-half shots and no corner kicks.

McDaniel (4-5, 1-3) earned seven corners after the break, but Palomaki and the rest of the back line held strong, denying any real scoring threat late. Junior back Jonathan Kliewer played an excellent game in front of ’keeper Peter Bennett, who made four saves in the win.

Kliewer ran all over the field for Muhlenberg to come up with big plays, including turning away a Green Terror goal that was right on the doorstep in the first half. The ball had gone past Bennett, and was thought to be a sure goal, until the junior booted it away at the last second.

Both teams knew that it was going to be a physical contest, which proved to be true as 29 fouls were called and three yellow cards were handed out. However, after all the physicality through the game’s first 89 miuntes, a little finesse was needed for the ’Berg win.

Click here for box score.