ERIE, Pa. – A penalty kick goal with just under two minutes remaining in the second overtime period would doom what was an overall solid effort in the University of Charleston men's soccer team 2011 debut against No. 23 ranked Mercyhurst.
Senior Bill Colton scored late in double overtime, after a scuffle in front of the net resulted in a penalty kick to hand the Lakers a 2-1 regional win.
After an evenly matched first 30 minutes of play, freshman Fernando Martinez came off the bench to provide the Lakers with a set of fresh legs, which would result in the early 1-0 advantage for MC. Sam Dorf delivered a well placed corner kick to Martinez who struck it out of mid-air and past UC keeper Sean Teepen (Cincinnati, OH/Oak Hills) to tally his first collegiate goal.
The Golden Eagles came out of the locker room after halftime with an aggressive style they lacked in the opening period, receiving two yellow cards and holding the Lakers shotless in the first 22 minutes. The aggression paid off for Charleston in the 64th minute of play, when Michael Osuji (Imo State, Nigeria/Central) squeezed a ball past a crowded net for the equalizer (1-1).
Mercyhurst attempted just three shots after the Golden Eagle goal knotted the game at 1-1, while the UC defense kept the Laker offense at bay with just one shot on goal in the time frame. Charleston saw its best opportunity to end the game slip away after a scorching shot by Dion Peters was saved by Lakers' keeper Diego Gustin.
Charleston had a few breathe taking moments during the first overtime as well, yet both of their shots rattled the crossbar and bounced away from the net to end seperate scoring threats in the first overtime.
Mercyhurst took control of the second overtime playing on the attack for the majority of the period. The insistent offense of the Lakers finally broke down the Golden Eagles defense late in the final period. With 2:02 on the clock the Lakers were honored with a penalty kick after Teepen, was carded for unsportsmanlike conduct in front of the net. Colton was called on for Mercyhurst's shot delivering the decisive blow for his team leading second goal of the season.
Teepen stopped two shots in the loss for Charleston.
All told, the contest played very even as Mercyhurst held a slight advantage in shots, 12-11, and in corners 8-4 for what hopes to be a precursor to NCAA Atlantic Regional play later this season.
UC has a week to recover before facing conference foe Wheeling Jesuit at 6:00 pm on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Schoenbaum Stadium.
