MUSKEGON, MI – The Ancilla Men’s Soccer, who is currently 16th in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I rankings, was on fireWednesday against Muskegon Community College, bringing home a 3-2 win in overtime.
The Chargers got on the board in the 21st minute of the first half with a goal from Lee Nicholson, a Toronto, Canada native on an assist from Romario Piggott. Muskegon, who is currently receiving votes for the top 20 national rankings, was able to answer with a goal of their own just before the half in the 42nd minute.
“We were playing very well when our Center Midfielder lost the ball at midfield and they had their numbers up and scored just that easy,” remarked Coach Dave Jacobs. “A preventable error on our part.” The first half of the game ended 1-1.
The second half saw more gritty play from both sides as Muskegon struck for their second goal in the 74th minute. With 15 minutes left to play, it looked as if Muskegon was going to upset the Chargers, but the team didn’t give up and with five minutes left on a rebound that Josh Logan from Manchester England put into the back of the net, the Chargers would tie the game. This is the second time this week that Ancilla would play in overtime. Five minutes into overtime, Kevin Fortes took off with the ball at half field, with two defenders tracking him and was fouled in the box. Ancilla was awarded the penalty kick, which Fortes shot deep in the net, giving Ancilla a hard fought win.
“We know that both of their goals were our errors,” said Jacobs. “I hope we can do better to prevent these mistakes from happening again, knowing we have to do a better job of keeping the ball and protecting our goal. However, it was another great win for us and it proves that if we work hard, we will find a way to get the victory.”
The Charger soccer team will play a full weekend schedule at home on Friday against Cuyahoga Community College at 4:00p.m. and Saturday at home against Lakeland Community College at 1:00p.m.
