Box Score Elsah, Ill. -- Beautiful weather, beautiful field. One could not ask for a better night as the Principia men's soccer team took the field to continue their fight for playoffs. With games in the past not quite falling their way, tonight's exciting 2-1 double overtime victory really helped change the tide.
Immediately Principia took control of the game, working hard and creating chances. Slicing and dicing the Beaver defense, the Panthers created several solid offensive opportunities. The first goal came 31 minutes into the first half in just such a manner, when Victor De Castro deftly cut through several defenders and slid in, pushing the ball past the attacking keeper.
The game continued back and forth with Principia continuing to hold the run of play but not finding the back of the net. Finally, despite
Kaylin Hernandez Beiner having a quality game in goal, Blackburn found their chance with a shot that caught him slightly off his line in the 75th minute, tying it up 1-1.
In the final seconds of regulation play, amidst a game full of fouls and yellow cards,
Akimie Ogilvie received a second yellow, forcing a red and bringing the Principia side down to 10 men for overtime.
The first overtime still contained some frantic play by the Panthers, but at the beginning of the second overtime period, the men were focused and ready to go. Immediately on kickoff, David "McFly" McLeod-Warrick applied incredibly intense high pressure, stole the ball and was immediately fouled. The ensuing play was what stories are made of.
Briggs Hurley lofted the ball back post into a cluster of players and somehow DeCastro found his head connecting with the ball and sent it into the back of the net.
The players on the field cheered spreading the news and an eruption ensued. It was an awesome moment for the men who are working hard to be the best men they can be and to represent Principia Men's Soccer with the highest sense of right.
And it happened... on a Tuesday.
The men host Westminster on Thursday at 6:00 pm. Unfortunately the game will not be broadcasted on PIR, so please come out and support in person!
