Box Score

MANKATO, Minn. – The University of Northwestern men's soccer team won a thriller Friday afternoon, besting host Bethany Lutheran College in a 3-2 overtime joust. The Eagles' goal in the 99th minute of action secured both the end of the game and a final outcome in favor of the visiting squad.
 
UNW was the first team to get on the board in the contest, notching its first score courtesy of a Sean Taylor (Sydney, Australia /Kenosha Christian Life ) goal in the 15th minute. The assist credit for the shot went to Eric Fast (Eagan, Minn./Homeschool), who helped allow his team some security as it continued in the first half.
 
While both teams had opportunities on offense in the remainder of the first 45 minutes, nothing that would have lasting impact on the outcome took place as the Eagles led 1-0 at halftime. Coming out of intermission, Matt Flanders (Osceola, Wis./Homeschooled) sent a ball towards the Vikings' net from 25 feet out and was successful, allowing the senior defender to double his squad's lead just 5:10 into the half.

The score remained much in the Purple and Gold's favor until BLC began to make a run as the home team secured two goals in a 45 second time span to even the game with 6:04 ticking off the clock.

The time stamp struck zeroes and the scored remained a neutral 2-2, sending the contest into overtime. In its first extra-time matchup of the 2013 campaign the Eagles landed the first shot in the 95th minute, and the first corner kick at the 99:00 mark which led to the golden goal 15 seconds into the 99th minute. Joshua Fryc (Harris, Minn./Homeschool) received the credit for the game-winner as Fast once again came up in the passing front with his second assist of the day, this time off of the corner chance.

On the offensive front, UNW earned the upper hand in shot total with 18 in comparison to Bethany Lutheran's 16, but the Vikings picked up two more saves on defense than the visitors.

Northwestern (8-9 overall, 8-3 Upper Midwest Athletic Conference) will use the night to rest up before once again taking the pitch for an away game at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn. on Saturday. The game will kickoff at 2:15 p.m., following the women's portion of the doubleheader.