The Ashland University men's soccer team held a 1-0 lead after 60 minutes on the road at first-place Northwood on Friday (Oct. 13), but the Timberwolves staved off the Eagles, 3-2, in overtime in GLIAC action in Midland, Mich.
The Eagles trailed late in regulation, but found an equalizer in the 83rd minute to send the game to overtime.
"It was a great experience from our team to come back and get the equalizer," said AU head coach Oliver Slawson. "We've played Northwood twice and felt like we could have gotten a result from the game both times. Credit to Northwood for finding the game-winner. They're a quality side and playing them on the road is not an easy task."
It was the third straight overtime game for Ashland (6-7, 2-7 GLIAC), but the first time the Eagles were not able to come out with the victory after beating Purdue Northwest and Davenport in extra time last week.
The game was scoreless until the 42nd minute when the Eagles opened the scoring only minutes before halftime. Sophomore Andrew Pearson ripped a shot from 15 yards for his fourth goal of the season.
AU took that lead into halftime – the second time the Eagles have taken a lead into the break against Northwood this season.
The Eagles' advantage held until the 65th minute when Zachary Bakos scored from inside the box to tie the game at 1. Northwood (9-2-2, 7-0-1 GLIAC) took the lead just six minutes later on a goal by Nino Evola as he came free through the AU defense.
Sophomore Thomas Ardron equalized for the Eagles in the 83rd minute, collecting a rebound off a shot by freshman Yusuke Yasumasu and firing his own from the left side past NU keeper Corbin Cecchini.
The only shot in overtime came off the head of Connor Cole, who gave the Timberwolves the game-winner in the 95th minute off a corner kick.
Freshman goalkeeper Dimitrius Karousos recorded eight saves in the game.
It was the final road conference game of the regular season for Ashland, which will play its final overall road game of the season on Tuesday (Oct. 17) at Findlay.
AU
MSOC/BB