REDDING, Calif. – Scoring two goals in the final eight minutes, the Bushnell men's soccer team rallied to defeat Simpson University on Tuesday afternoon, 2-1.
Traveling outside the state of Oregon for the first time this season, the Beacons (1-0-2) dominated the pace of play against the Red Hawks (0-3-1) but weren't able to break through until the 82nd minute, scoring a pair of goals within 75 seconds to ward off the upset bid after a first-half goal from Simpson.
The equalizer came off the foot of Brady Housley, who received a long service pass from Emmanuel Rea into the right side of the box. Housley took a dribble and fired the ball back toward the far-side post and in to tie the game at 1-1.
The winner came in the 83rd minute. Teva Mataoa's shot was blocked by the keeper, but Jay Jay Van Der Velde was there to pick up the loose ball and quickly fire the winner into the back of the net.
The Beacons finished the game with an 18-6 shot advantage, responding well after a goal from David Guerrero in the 23rd minute gave the home team a long lasting 1-0 lead. Aaron Lowry picked up the win in goal for Bushnell, his first with the Beacons, making three saves.
For Bushnell it was their fourth straight win over the Red Hawks as they improve to 8-4-1 in the all-time series.
Head coach Joao Ehlers said, "Our boys showed a lot of passion and determination to score two late goals today. I am very pleased with everyone's contributions."
UP NEXT: The Beacons will remain in Redding for a neutral-site game against Lincoln University (0-0) on Wednesday at 12:00 pm. This will be Bushnell's first-ever meeting with the Oaklanders.