LA GRANDE Ore. - The Eastern Oregon men's soccer team continued its winning form Saturday afternoon at Community Stadium. In what was a thrilling second half, EOU scored the game winner through Erik Mattice, who hit the game-winner with two and half minutes left in regulation to beat Evergreen 3-2 in CCC play.
The opening 45 minutes was quiet for both sides. EOU (8-7, 6-5 CCC) had the better of the chances and were able to take the lead 20 minutes in. The goal came when Jorge Chavez picked out Mattice on a 30 yard pass, who took the ball to the end line and cut it back to Oscar Munoz who netted his second goal of the weekend.
The second half was full of action and plenty of goals. All of Evergreen's (7-8-1, 4-6-0 CCC) goals were scored in the second half and two of EOU's, including the game winner, came in the second period.
Leading goal scorer Javier Moran increased his total to seven goals when he received the ball from Alex Zuluaga, burying the ball low and hard into the back of the net, allowing no chance for keeper Hunter Bowman.
The last 10 minutes of the game was entertaining to say the least. At the 78 minute mark, the Geoducks tried for a late comeback when a long throw was flicked by Mitchell Balmer, and then headed by Joe DiCarlo into the goal.
One minute later drama ensued. Bowman received a red card after a scuffle at the end line that resulted in a yellow card for Micah Hill as well to put the Geoducks down a man.
This didn't stop Evergreen, who kept pushing for an equalizer. In the 87th minute, they got just that. The Geoducks were awarded a penalty kick after a foul inside the box and Tino Pantaleon put it past Max Rose to make it 2-2 with 5 minutes left.
EOU didn't drop their heads, and continued to press using their advantage of one man up to force their way through the defense. Earning themselves a foul 35 yards out, the Mounties needed to make the most of the opportunity if they wanted to avoid an overtime battle. Mattice stepped up to take the kick with just over two minutes left and shot it in the top right hand corner of the net, sealing the win for EOU.
EOU out shot TESC 11-8 and 7-5 on shots on goal in the match.
The team will be home for the final games of the regular season Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 to play Warner Pacific and Multnomah at Community Stadium. Sunday's game will be also be Senior Day.
For more information on Eastern Oregon men's soccer, follow @EOUAthletics or visit eousports.com.
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Contact: Iain Dexter; 541-962-3946; idexter@eou.edu