After capturing a double-overtime semifinal victory yesterday, Saints' goalkeeper Mike Smith made three incredible saves during penalty kicks as the top-seeded St. Lawrence University men's soccer team claimed the 2018 Liberty League Championship Title with a 1-1 double-overtime tie against third-seeded Ithaca and advanced 3-1 in penalty kicks on Sunday afternoon at Sandy MacAllaster Field. 

The Saints, who moved to 12-2-3 on the season, have now captured their first regular-season title and tournament title since 2015, the current senior class's first-year season.

The Saints broke through first, as Aidan Callahan capitalized on a tic-tac-toe pass inside the eight-yard box, for his first goal of the season, giving the Scarlet and Brown a 1-0 lead during the 51st minute. Brendan McNamee and Charlton Kelly assisted on the play.

Just over eight minutes later, the Bombers evened the score as Alex Leahy made a quick cross from the right side and Kevin Turi sent a quick header to the back of the Saints' goal.

The Saints outshot the Bombers 4-2 throughout overtime, but neither team was able to put one away to secure the win.

After both teams battled through another 50 minutes of scoreless play, the teams moved to the best-of-five penalty kick scenario.

Nate Schoen missed the first opportunity for the Bombers, while Jethro Dede buried the Saints first for a 1-0 advantage. Turi and McNamee matched shot-for-shot, holding the Saints 2-1 lead. Bombers' goalkeeper Max Lichtenstein and Smith both made saves on the third shots against Miguel Ridruejo and Jack Monnes. Smith made his third save against Luke Karen and Kelly put it away for the Saints with the third penalty kick goal.

"Today was a fabulous day for the team," said head coach Mike Toshack. "I'm so happy for the way they competed over the two-day tournament and the seniors who stepped up and played a big role in a big game. You never want to go to penalty kicks, however, it's part of the game and Mike Smith put in a very special performance today. We're very happy for this team to go forward and experience the NCAA tournament and see where it takes us."



Smith finished with four saves against Ithaca today was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player with 10 total saves in the tournament and three during the championship penalty kicks.

Lichtenstein made three saves in goal for the Bombers and one during penalty kicks.

St. Lawrence controlled a 14-9 advantage in shots, but Ithaca held a slight 5-4 shots on goal edge.

With the win, the Saints clinch the automatic bid into the upcoming NCAA Tournament and will find out their first-round opponent as well as the location on Monday's selection show at 1:00 p.m.