Golden goal lifts Lancers in OT
WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Last year, Grace’s men’s soccer team earned the nickname “Cardiac Kids” for their penchant to win games late.
2018 might not be much different.
The Lancers defeated Aquinas 1-0 in overtime thanks to Ivan Santagiuliana’s golden goal.
Grace seemed to be in control throughout the match. The Lancers (2-1-1) kept near-constant pressure on the Saints’ goal, pelting Aquinas’s net with 34 shots.
The Saints (0-1), on the other hand, could only muster five shots and two on goal.
Grace maintained control of the ball for much of the first half, but the Lancers were unable to get on the scoreboard. Ten shots and two corner kicks were taken by Grace in the opening 45 minutes to no avail.
The Lancers’ attack ramped up considerably in the second half, leaving the Saints scrambling defensively after halftime. Grace racked up 22 shot attempts in the second half.
But the Saints withstood the offensive barrage from the Lancers, and the match remained scoreless to set the stage for Grace’s winner.
The winning moment came in overtime. Colin Cape played a dangerous ball into the box, and Santagiuliana finished it for his first goal for the Lancers.
“I thought we were strong in possession tonight, but we lacked the ability to score. We missed a few chances early, and if we would have made those then maybe the game looks different,” said Grace head coach Matt Hotchkin. “Some of the guys are beginning to find a rhythm on offense, and once a couple of these guys score a goal, then the confidence will take root.”
Cody Boerema led all players with six shots, and Ulisses Miranda added five more. Togo Narusawa, Cape and Breno Oliveira each took four shots.
Kurt Hamlin recorded his third shutout of the season. He made a pair of saves as Grace’s goalkeeper.
The Lancers stay at home for their next match; Grace hosts Bluefield on Monday at 2 p.m.