NY Empire FC Survives Instant Classic, Advances to UPSL Semifinals After Penalty Shootout Thriller

NY Empire FC booked its place in the UPSL semifinals on Saturday night after an unforgettable 3-3 draw and dramatic penalty shootout victory over New York Braveheart in front of a passionate home crowd at SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex.

The quarterfinal had everything—stoppage-time drama, extra-time goals, and a nerve-wracking shootout—with Empire ultimately prevailing after converting all five penalties.

Empire struck first in the 35th minute when center back Matt Sloan found the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime. Braveheart responded after the break to level the match before Mason Chetti restored Empire’s lead in spectacular fashion, curling a stunning strike into the top corner in the 70th minute.

Just when it looked like Empire would see out the victory, Braveheart found an equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time, sending the match into extra time tied 2-2.

The visitors carried that momentum into the first extra-time period, scoring just two minutes in to take their first lead of the night. Empire refused to back down, however, and Alan Martinez calmly buried a penalty kick in the 103rd minute to make it 3-3.

Neither side could find a winner over the remaining minutes, setting the stage for penalties.

Empire was flawless from the spot. Alan Martinez, David Sanchez, Matt Sloan, Carlos Martinez, and Sebastian Monroy all converted their attempts, while goalkeeper Gianluca Justincic delivered the decisive moment by saving Braveheart’s opening penalty. Monroy’s conversion sparked wild celebrations from the Empire faithful as the home side secured its place in the next round.

With the victory, NY Empire FC advances to the UPSL semifinals, where the club will face defending national champions New York Renegades on Saturday at 8:20 p.m. once again at SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex.