FAIRFIELD, CT (Nov. 14, 2026) – Sacred Heart captured the 2026 Metro Men’s Soccer Championship on Saturday evening, defeating Merrimack, 2-1, in overtime at Park Ave Field.
 
(6) Merrimack 1, (4) Sacred Heart 2
 
Ivan Morcillo delivered the championship-winning goal just 40 seconds into overtime to secure the Pioneers’ first Metro title since joining the conference in 2024.
 
After a scoreless first half, the two teams continued to battle through the second period. Merrimack broke through first in the 83rd minute when Jonathan Kratz found the back of the net off an assist from Mason Salvadge, giving the Warriors a 1-0 advantage.
 
Sacred Heart responded in the closing minutes of regulation. With less than two minutes remaining, Brady Poor equalized in the 89th minute, finishing a pass from Morcillo to send the championship final into overtime tied at 1-1.
 
The Pioneers wasted little time in the extra period. Just 40 seconds into overtime, Morcillo scored the game-winner off an assist from Poor, completing the comeback and securing the 2-1 victory for Sacred Heart.
 
Morcillo led the Pioneers with a goal and an assist, while Poor contributed a goal and an assist of his own, with the pair combining for all three of Sacred Heart’s points. Sacred Heart outshot Merrimack, 18-10, including an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal, and held a 7-4 edge in corner kicks. The Pioneers also put pressure on the Warriors throughout the contest, forcing goalkeeper Matteo Malaguti to make six saves. At the other end, Anthony Suarez recorded three saves to help secure the championship victory.
 
With the victory, Sacred Heart earns the Metro Conference’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship. The Pioneers will learn their first-round opponent during the NCAA Men’s Soccer Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 16, at 1 PM ET.