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Argos Stun #2 Sonoma State on Overtime Goal in Final Seconds |
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September 12 – The
Notre Dame de Namur men’s soccer team pulled off the biggest win in
school history on a game winning header by Mark Bennett with just two
seconds left in overtime. The Argos defeated the #2 ranked Sonoma
State Seawolves in a thrilling back and forth match that ended with
coach Lance Thompson being drenched with a water cooler.
“The guys executed
out game plan perfectly for all 100 minutes.” Thompson said. “We
understood what it was going to take to compete with such an
outstanding opponent and the team came through when it mattered.”
The first half was very evenly played with each team recording five
shots and each goalie making three saves. The Argos had a few scoring
opportunities including a shot by Cristobal Montes that was heading for
the net before a Seawolves defender sent it out. SSU goalie Brook
Thompson also made a diving save on a blast from Dorian Virrueta to
keep the game scoreless.
Sonoma State broke through first in the second half, scoring in the
51st minute. Andrew Bailey came up with the ball surrounded by a pair
of Argo defenders, but wielded around and fired the shot past Sheldon
Steenhuis for a 1-0 lead.
The Argos continued to put pressure on the Sonoma State defense and
would tie the score in the 63rd minute. Christian Rosales sent a ball
from midfield down the right side where Jacob Zavala fielded it and
streaked toward the net. Zavala then played the ball to fellow forward
Luis Astorga who slid and pushed the ball past Thompson and into the
back of the net.
Over the final 27 minutes each team had a few scoring opportunities but come away empty handed.
In overtime, the Seawolves came out strong, keeping the ball in the
Argonaut zone for much of the period. However as time was running down
NDNU played the ball into the right corner. Astorga chased down the
ball, and played it back to Sean Gurley with six second left. Gurley
the crossed the ball to the far post where Bennett headed the ball into
the net with two second left.
Steenhuis made five saves for the Argonauts while Thompson made a pair
for Sonoma State as NDNU held a 12-10 shot advantage for the game.
The victory was NDNU first all time against Sonoma State as the
Seawolves came into the contest with a 20-0-1 all-time record against
the Argonauts.
The Argos wrapped up non-conference play with a 4-1-1 record against
Division II opponents and will host Chaminade to open the PacWest
season on September 23rd.
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