Double OT Goal Leads Men’s Soccer Past SMU

September 21, 2017Posted in: Athletics

The Scarlet Hawks trailed for most of the second half on September 20, but that did not stop men’s soccer from tying the score and winning in double overtime. A resilient Illinois Tech squad moved to 3-3-1 on the season with the 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Saint Mary’s University (Minnesota).

How it Happened

  • A slow-paced and quiet first half meant a 0-0 score at intermission. While Saint Mary’s outshot the Scarlet Hawks by just one in the 45 minute span (5-4), the Cardinals managed to hold Illinois Tech without a shot on net.
  • Early in the second half, the Cardinals put up a tally to break the tie on a header off of a set piece. SMU led 1-0 in the 56th minute.
  • It wasn’t until the 58th minute when the Scarlet Hawks recorded a shot on net. However, the team’s third shot on net of the match, in the 83rd minute, was the charm. Brandon Bortei-Doku took a deflection and lasered it past the keeper to tie things at 1-1.
  • The physicality of the match rose as overtime approached. Both teams were able to generate some chances, but neither found the back of the net. A Bortei-Doku header in the 89th minute was the last chance for either team in regulation.
  • In the first overtime, a Santiago Bartolome attempt in the 95th minute was the only shot on goal for either team. Illinois Tech was unable to capitalize on the shot corner kicks in the 97th and 98th minutes as the match headed to a second overtime.
  • After two Saint Mary’s shot attempts early in the second overtime, the golden goal came courtesy of Christopher Reed. After a beautiful lead pass from Zachary Whritenour, Reed made a move and then fired a shot past the keeper for the game-winner with 1:58 to play.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

  • Alex Kern was a stalwart in net, tallying seven saves in all 108:02 of action.
  • Reed scored the game-winner on his only shot on net courtesy of Whritenour.
  • Bortei-Doku took four shots and two shots on net.
  • Peter Fouchet managed five shot attempts to lead the team.

Stats to Know

  • The final shot count was 20-17 in favor of Illinois Tech, but 8-5 in favor of St. Mary’s in shots on goal.
  • Illinois Tech out-cornered the Cardinals 7-2.
  • SMC committed 15 fouls compared to 12 for the Scarlet Hawks.

Up Next

  • The Scarlet Hawks will play its next two matches on the road, starting with Maranatha Baptist on Tuesday, September 26 at 4 p.m.
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