The Goshen College men’s soccer team lost 1-0 in overtime to ninth-ranked Lindsey Wilson University in Columbia, Kentucky last Saturday afternoon.
Goshen entered the matchup coming off of a four-game win streak that they looked to use to propel themselves over the Blue Raiders. The Blue Raiders set the pace early on in the first half. Goshen looked for opportunities but they were hard to come by due to the Blue Raiders’ defense who have four shutouts this season.The Blue Raiders set the pace early on in the first half. Goshen looked for opportunities but they were hard to come by due to the Blue Raiders’ defense who have four shutouts this season.
Goshen’s keeper Johan Escalante played a vital role in the Maple Leafs defense. With the Blue Raiders taking 12 first-half shots, Escalante was able to keep them off of the scoreboard.
Possession traded between the two teams for most of the first half as neither side were able to find the goal. The score was even at 0-0 entering halftime.
In the second half, Goshen’s offense was unable to test the keeper with a shot on goal until just over six minutes left in regulation.
In the final seconds of regulation, Uriel Macias was able to create space after dribbling his way to the 18-yard box. The shot was directed towards the left post but the Blue Raiders keeper, Noah Slepicka was able to make a diving save.
At the end of regulation, the score remained 0-0 sending the game into overtime.
Just 40 seconds into the overtime period, the Blue Raiders took their first shot which was blocked by defender Ethan Francois-Ravalier.
The Blue Raiders continued to attack with a total of four shots and two corners in just over six minutes. The nationally ranked team would finally break through the Goshen back line with 3:48 left on the clock.
Lindsey’s Renan Ramos took the corner that was kicked in by Stephane Dasse ending the game with a Blue Raider victory.
Escalante’s made a total of 10 saves in the game, making it a career high for the senior goalkeeper.
With the loss, Goshen’s record falls to 5-4 as they wrapped up their non-conference schedule. The Maple Leafs begin conference play this Wednesday, Sep. 26, when they travel to Bethel College to kick-off at 7 p.m.