ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - With a flair for the dramatic, the Eckerd men's soccer team was down to its final three minutes Tuesday night before netting two quick goals for the comeback win.
Johnson & Wales (Fla.) took an early lead following a goal in the 26th minute. Eckerd had several chances following but was unable to convert until
Agustin Pertusso netted back-to-back goals in the 88th and 90th minutes. Pertusso's game-winning goal came just 11 seconds before the clock expired as he sent in a sliding shot to the right side.
HOW IT ENDED
Final: Eckerd 2, Johnson & Wales 1
Records: Eckerd 4-1, Johnson & Wales 0-3
Scoring Summary: EC- Pertusso 88' (Dolan), Pertusso 90' (Reinauer); JWU- Silva 27' (Molina)
KEY MOMENTS
- Both teams were aggressive early as the Wildcats missed three shots high within the first five minutes. Ty Dolan fired in a low shot in the 12th minute, but JWU keeper Alex Marciulonis was there for the save.
- The Wildcats found the back of the net in the 27th minute for an early 1-0 lead. Franco Molina took a shot from the right wing just outside of the 18. The shot ricocheted off the far post, and after a failed clearance attempt Jose Silva collected the rebound and one-touched it into the back of the net.
- Jake Willetts rifled two shots in the 39th minute but was unable to convert either. He sent in a low strike to the center of the goal, but Marciulonis turned back the shot. Willetts then collected the ball and sent in another shot but missed high.
- EC had another two solid looks on goal in the 62nd and 71st minutes, but neither were able to find the back of the net.
- In the 88th minute, Dolan made a run down the left side of the field crossing a ball to Pertusso at the top of the box. Pertusso, running to the middle of the box, headed the ball and redirected it into the top right corner for the equalizer.
- Pertusso struck again with 11 seconds on the clock sending in the game-winner. Nick Reinauer took a free kick from beyond midfield delivering a ball just outside of the six where Pertusso took a sliding shot placed inside the right post and past a diving keeper.
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Eckerd out-shot the Wildcats 18-12, but JWU held an 8-6 advantage in shots on goal.
- David Ormiston collected four saves in goal.
- Pertusso's goals were the seventh and eighth of his career.
- Pertusso is the second Triton in as many games to record a brace after Blake Bauer netted two goals in the win over Alabama-Huntsville Sunday afternoon.
UP NEXT
Eckerd enters conference play next hosting No. 10 Lynn on Saturday for a 7:00 PM kickoff.
