EUGENE, Ore. –The Northwest Christian University men's soccer team saw a 3-1 lead erased over the final four minutes of regulation and Simpson University pulled off the improbable comeback with a goal in the second overtime to knock off the Beacons on Friday, 4-3 at Mike Kelly Field.
NCU wasted no time getting on the board as Sergio Maldonado (pictured) gave the Beacons a 1-0 lead in the 4th minute, firing home a free-kick from just outside the box. Simpson soon scored the equalizer, as a long free kick from James Lemus put Mitch Boyle one-on-one with the keeper resulting in a chip-in from ten yards away.
The Beacons took back the lead before halftime when Isaiah Blake had a chip shot of his own over the SU keeper, after a strong pass from Joseph Piper. It was the team-leading third goal of the season for Blake who has jumped into a tie for fourth-place on NCU's all-time scoring list.
Northwest Christian continued to apply pressure early in the second half and in the 63rd minute, Chris Hendler gave the Beacons their first two-goal lead of the season, scoring from five yards out after a pass from Maldonado.
Things seemed to cruise along from there, but the Red Hawks did not want to leave the Willamette Valley without a fight. In the 87th minute, Jacob Muniz made a great individual effort and scored from inside the box to bring Simpson within one. The goal put the Beacons back on their heels a bit and just one minute later Muniz connected with Brandon Jacobsen who fired home the tying goal with under three minutes remaining in regulation.
After a scoreless first overtime, Simpson got the golden goal as Muniz connected with Jacobsen for the second time, sending a through-ball that put Jacobsen alone with NCU's drawn keeper. He was able to slot the ball past the goalie, tapping in the winner.
NCU (1-3-1) was out-shot 14-13 in the game and had six shots-on-goal. John Castro had four saves between the pipes for the Beacons. Simpson (1-3) took eight shots on goal in their first victory of the season.
The Beacons will return to action next Friday, traveling to face Carroll College in their first CCC game of the season.