Firebirds Secure Fifth Seed, Set for ECC Playoff Showdown at Mercy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw with Molloy University on Saturday afternoon at the UDC Turf Field, closing out the regular season and securing the No. 5 seed in the upcoming East Coast Conference Playoffs.

The Firebirds (8-3-4, 3-2-3 ECC) close the regular season on an eight-game unbeaten streak,and earn their third consecutive trip to the ECC Playoffs, continuing their strong form heading into postseason play.

UDC struck early when Ignacio Lopez held off a defender and fired a shot from just outside the box, sending the ball past the goalkeeper to put the Firebirds on the board in the 3rd minute. Molloy equalized midway through the second half as Danu Kinsella Bishop converted in the 63rd minute. Despite several late chances, neither side could find a winner.

Goalkeeper Sergio Becerra made three saves in the match, anchoring a defensive unit that has allowed just one goal across the team's last four outings.

With the result, UDC finishes the regular season as the fifth seed in the ECC standings and will travel to Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., to face No. 4 seed Mercy University in the first round of the ECC Playoffs on Wednesday. More details to follow.