Eagles Celebrate on the Field After Overtime Win
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
Photo Courtesy of Greg Spell/G-RoxPhotos.com
WALESKA, Ga. – Rafael Pais found the upper corner of the net with just 22 seconds left in overtime to lift Reinhardt to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Point (Ga.) Wednesday night under the lights on Ken White Field at University Stadium.
The Eagles celebrated on the field after Pais' laser helped them keep a perfect record at 7-0 and 4-0 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
"Good college soccer match tonight," head coach Joey Johnson said. "Full respect to players from both teams as it was a battle as expected. I appreciate the efforts on both sides of the ball from our players."
Both teams played quality defense throughout, and that effort was able to keep the scoreboard quiet in the opening 45 minutes. Not long after halftime, however, Trevor Robinson found Blake White for a shot and score at 51:45.
Unfortunately, for the hometown squad, the Skyhawks got lightning in a bottle less than one minute later as Point tied the score at 1-1 after an attempt (following a corner kick) found its way into the net through a host of players on both sides.
The defensive affair wouldn't surrender another tally the rest of regulation – even though Reinhardt had multiple chances at the end of period two. The Eagles would also get turned away in the first few minutes of overtime, but a foul opened the door for the home fans to go home happy.
Pais made the most of his opportunity.
Reinhardt held an 18-13 lead in shots, while corner kicks were tied, 5-5.
Individually, Pais and Min Lee registered five attempts apiece.
Niko Tzevelekos got the triumph after making four saves in 99:38.
The Knights of St. Andrews (N.C.) welcome Reinhardt to town on Saturday afternoon in a 3:30 p.m. matchup.
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