DONALDSON, IN – Ancilla College Soccer, currently ranked 17th in NJCAA Division 1, upset the #7 Schoolcraft Ocelots in double overtime Friday night, 4-3.
The Chargers fell behind 1-0 just six minutes into the game. With 25 minutes left to play in the first half however, the action heated up. Ancilla’s Moustapha Gueye would find Kevin Fortes in the penalty box, making his first goal of the match. Twelve minutes later, the Ocelots would retake the lead and three minutes after that, the Charger’s Fortes would strike again. This time, it was Lee Nicholson who found the feet of Fortes with nine minutes to play in the first half for Ancilla’s second goal. Just 30 seconds later, the action would continue as Schoolcraft was once again able to grab the lead and end the first half 3-2.
“It was very frustrating to give them such easy goals,” remarked Coach Dave Jacobs. “We responded twice but it’s just not acceptable to give up soft goals.”
The action however, didn’t stop there. At the start of the second half, the Charger defense, led by Goal Keeper Max Lopez, would stop Schoolcraft the rest of the way, keeping their net clean. Down 3-2 with 17 minutes left in regulation, it would be freshman Kevin Mendoza who hit a free kick over the wall and past the keeper into the upper corner to tie the game.
“It was a beauty,” said Jacobs of the shot.
As the game ended, tied 3-3, the Chargers would head into overtime play for the fourth time this season. Ancilla, attempted several shots in both the first and second sudden death overtimes and with just 30 seconds left on the clock in the second overtime, Rodolfo Baquerizo would send a long ball that Mendoza one touched past the keeper for the game winning goal.
“What a way to win,” said Jacobs. “I am very proud of our team and our ability to never give up.”
Ancilla will play Wednesday, home in a conference match against Lake Michigan College. Game time is scheduled for 4:00p.m.
