Lancers down Knights on thrilling golden goal
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – For the second time in three games, Grace’s men’s soccer team won in double overtime.
The Lancers (4-2-4, 1-0-1 Crossroads League) used a golden goal winner from Breno Oliveira in the 109th minute to defeat Marian on the road Wednesday.
Grace has now played in five consecutive double overtime matches, winning twice and tying three times in that stretch.
The win gives Grace momentum heading into Saturday’s Homecoming contest against Taylor. Saturday’s contest at 1st Source Bank Field kicks off at 2 p.m.
Grace struggled to produce a consistent attack in the first half. The Lancers built possession well but often broke down in the offensive third of the field.
The Knights (3-6, 0-2 CL) held Grace to zero shots while taking eight shots themselves. Marian had a few shots glance off the post, but Grace’s goalkeeper Kurt Hamlin kept the Knights off the scoreboard by halftime.
Grace picked up its offense to start the second half, generating a few early chances. Ulisses Miranda and Togo Narusawa both had shots denied within minutes of each other.
Cody Boerema made a strong run from the wing in the 63rd minute, dribbling into the penalty box from the end line for a shot that was saved.
Each team tried seven shots and had four corner kicks in the second half, but the match remained scoreless through 90 minutes.
The first overtime period saw Marian try three shots compared to none for the Lancers. Hamlin made a sparkling save as the first overtime ended, stopping a point-blank shot.
The second overtime resulted in Grace’s winning moment. Oliveira had an early shot in the period sail high, but he made good on his next attempt.
Marian was issued a red card on a dangerous tackle in the 109th minute, giving Grace a 25-yard free kick with 100 seconds remaining. Oliveira blasted his shot inside the near post, sending Grace into an elated celebration on the field.
Oliveira and Santiago Maya had two shots apiece to lead Grace, and Hamlin made eight saves to secure his win. Hamlin boasts an impressive 349-minute scoreless streak after Wednesday’s match.
