Argos Stun #2 Sonoma State on Overtime Goal in Final Seconds

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.