(CLEVELAND, Ga.) – On Friday, The No. 4 seed Truett McConnell University men’s soccer team hosted No. 5 Columbia International University for the first round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament, where the Bears proved victorious after forcing the game into double overtime with a score of 1-1 at the end of the second half, ultimately advancing in tournament play after beating the Rams in a penalty kick shootout 4-3.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Bears started off hot in the first half with two shots by Jovica Lazarevic and Pedro Arroyo in the first three minutes of regulation. Two consecutive corner kicks by Oscar Brennan attempted to put TMU in position to score early, but was unsuccessful as good defense by the Rams kept the match even. The remainder of the half fell scoreless as both teams worked to find their rhythm, 0-0.
In the second half, CIU quickly adapted to the pressure as a second chance blocked shot in the 48th minute placed the Rams on the board (0-1). TMU was not shaken, focusing their effort on offense when a good ball by Hendrik Metje in the 60th minute, gave Marco Mandelka space to place the equalizer in the back of the net, 1-1. The remainder of the half saw both teams battle head to head, ultimately forcing the match-up into overtime play.
The first overtime period saw the Bears aggressive with two shots, compared to zero by CIU. Both teams proved evenly matched, forcing a second overtime period. TMU remained resilient on offense, while the Rams continued to show their grit on defense, forcing the game down to the wire.
After ten minutes of scoreless action, the winner was still undetermined, forcing a penalty kick shootout. CIU recorded a missed shot in the beginning as keeper Euan Brindley blocked its chances at finding the net, while a perfectly placed ball by Mandelka put TMU up by one. The Rams followed with a made shot to mark the score as even, 1-1. A missed shot by the Bears followed by a made shot by CIU threatened the result of the shootout as TMU looked to stay alive, 1-2. Two more shots by the Bears (Oscar Brennan and Nils Waltemode) helped TMU stay strong as both teams felt ultimate pressure (3-3). The game determining kick by Pablo Farrona ultimately found the back of the net, advancing the Bears to the semifinal match, 4-3.
LEADERS
Mandelka led the way with one goal and three shots, two on goal. Metje followed with one assist, while Lazarevic recorded four shots. Moral and Farris were featured recording three shots a piece, while Brindley tallied three saves on the evening.
Up next, the Bears hit the road to face the No. 1 seed Union Commonwealth in the AAC Tournament Semifinals on Tuesday, November 5. Match time to be determined.
