Tech Drops Nail Biter
REDDING, Calif. – After losing to Simpson University just 12 days earlier in Klamath Falls, the Oregon Tech men’s soccer team traveled to Redding, California with a chip on their shoulder and came out firing on all cylinders. The Owls took an early 2-0 lead in the first seven minutes, quieting the large home crowd. However that silence would be changed to cheers as Simpson scored three unanswered goals to down Oregon Tech 3-2. With the loss, the first year Tech program drops to 1-4-1 on the season. With the win, Simpson improves to 2-0-1.
Tech’s Dillan Durrell got the scoring going with a goal just 4 minutes into the game. The Hustlin’ Owls followed that goal with another off the foot of Antonio Jaimes just three minutes later. That would be the end of the Tech scoring for the game. Simpson chipped the Tech lead to 2-1 when David Barnett scored on a penalty kick at the 33 minute mark. Tech led at halftime 2-1 but all the momentum had switched to the home team.
The second half started with both teams playing tough defense but with just 22 minutes left in the game, Simpson’s Kerry Meehan scored the tying goal, getting behind the Tech defense and putting away his shot from 6 yards out. With just 6:03 left on the clock David Barnett was at it again, hitting a rocket of a shot from 18 yards out with what proved to be the game winner for Simpson.
Simpson dominated shots and shots on goal for the game, out shooting Tech 28-7 and 14-6 respectively. Oregon Tech goalie Travis Billie was credited with 7 saves while his counter part Matt Deacon had 6.
Oregon Tech will try to bounce back next weekend as they host Cascade College at 4:00 pm Friday, September 19th and College of Idaho at 1:00 pm Saturday, September 20th. Both games will be played at Trevor Derrah Field at Steen Sports Park in Klamath Falls.
-OIT-