Box Score Elsah, Ill. - A highly spirited Principia men's soccer side fell 1-0 in overtime to Westminster on Saturday afternoon in Elsah, IL. Despite dominating the game through long spells, the Panthers lack of clinical finishing spelled doom. The match was a well-fought affair with both sides trying to take command of the match in the first half. The Blue Jays resorted to long range shooting which rarely found the frame to trouble a steady
Gavin Thomas in the nets. Principia on the other hand struggled to combine in the offensive third and when they did, the final pass lacked conviction.
The second half was a much cleaner showing by the Panthers as they continued to dominate possession deep in the Blue Jay's territory.
Dubien Tshimanga came closest when a fortuitous bounce fell on his path following an exchange between
Nate Waters and
Laurencce Martins. Tshimanga's attempt went sailing high with the keeper caught in no man's land in the middle of the box.
The overtime period was a continuation of the same with the Panther's controlling the tempo. However, a turnover on the right flank led to a quick transition which the Blue Jays capitalized on. A well executed counter-attack goal in the 93rd minute of play proved to be the difference as the Panthers drop their opening conference match to Westminster. Principia will be back on the pitch for their second conference match when they host Iowa Wesleyan next Saturday at 1:00 PM.
