Box Score ELSAH, ILL. -- Principia men's soccer succumbed 2-1 in double OT to Fontbonne University in a heated SLIAC battle in Elsah IL.
The match, played on a chilly Tuesday evening produced enough fireworks as both sides came all out looking to win the battle. The Griffins needed a win to help secure their hopes of a top four finish. The Panthers on the other end were on the outside looking in with slim hopes of edging out whichever team that faltered in the playoff push.Â
Principia dominated play through most of the first half and were unfortunate not to be ahead when
John Gotwals broke through following a combination with
Nate Waters and Laurencee Martins but his attempt from an acute angle trickled out to the far post.Â
The second half belonged to the Griffins for long spells and they were unlucky not to find the net a couple times as
Gavin Thomas proved to be a handful coming up with several outstanding saves on the night to keep the Panthers in the game. In the 79th minute,
Leif Carlson made good with his strike off a corner kick scramble to lift Principia's hopes. The subsequent ten minutes were played at a frantic pace as Principia worked hard to defend their lead while the Griffins kept chasing despite going a man down due to a straight red card in the 83rd minute.Â
Unfortunately for Principia, they would get stung once more off a corner kick when they let a defender slip free to the ball inside the six to level the score.Â
In overtime both teams missed on solid opportunities with the Griffins finding the winning touch off a well-taken shot from the 25 yards out that skied past Thomas outstretched hands to take the lead.
Principia plays next at home on Thursday, Oct. 24th vs. Washington University. Â Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
