Contact: Elliott Carr, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302
Box Score
Sep 5., 2016 – Playing two double overtime games in as many days proved to be too much for the North Central College men's soccer team, as they were defeated 4-3 by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers on Monday afternoon, at Butch Leitl Field.
The Cardinals created several scoring opportunities in the first half, with freshman forward Steven Abalos and senior midfielder Chandler Olah both coming close to scoring in the 17th minute.
Senior defender Jon Borzick, best known for his defensive abilities, also came close to scoring with 21:31 on the clock, but his shot sailed just high of the crossbar.
With 26:43 remaining, the breakthrough finally happened for the Cardinals. Following an assist from senior forward Ryan O'Deen, sophomore forward Gavin Sanchez headed the ball into the back of the net, giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. However, the Cardinals were not done applying pressure to the Pioneers' defense, as Kissel would return the favor to his teammates, assisting on a goal to Sanchez, and allowing the Cardinals to get ahead 2-0.
The first half onslaught by the Cardinals was not yet complete, as Kissel connected with Sanchez, resulting in the team's third goal of the half and giving the Cardinals a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
Despite the dominant display from North Central in the first half, Platteville did not lie down and clawed their way back into the game to eventually level the score 3-3 and send the game into overtime.
The first overtime period saw the Cardinals attempt four shots to the Pioneers zero, with O'Deen almost sealing the game in the 100th minute with a shot that sailed just wide of the goalpost.
Two double overtime games in as many days is a great deal of soccer, and it was in the second overtime that the Cardinals ran out of steam and saw the Pioneers secure the victory. In the 106th minute, senior defender William Pretto headed a goal off a corner kick from junior midfielder Joshua Munoz.
As previous seasons have shown, early season misfortunes can be valuable learning experiences and help the team down the stretch during conference play.
The Cardinals will have ample rest before their next game, when they look to regroup and back on the winning track on Saturday, September 10, when they take on the University of Saint Thomas Tommies. Live in game statistics and video can be accessed by clicking here.
