ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Looking to pick up crucial NACC points, the Concordia-Chicago men's soccer team traveled to Rockford University this evening.
The Cougars came out solid on the road, but the Regents navigated the first half's momentum, out shooting CUC 5-1 in the first frame. With two shots on goal, the Regents threatened to take the lead in the 19th minute of play with a high-flying shot towards the goal's upper-right corner. Thankfully, keeper
Jose Retana came up with the acrobatic save and kept the game scoreless heading into the halftime break.
Coming out of the intermission, the Cougars were quick to capitalize on an offensive opportunity. Earning a corner kick in the 37th minute, CUC's
Fabian Aranda took the service and laced a high cross that
Alexis Gallegos converted into a header goal. Gallegos' strike gave CUC the 1-0 lead and marked both his first collegiate points.
A short while later, the Regents would earn a break of their own, as they got on the board with the equalizing goal with 20 minutes to go in the match. Rockford's equalizer held up too, as the game would be forced into overtime to find its winner.
The Cougars were shifty in the overtime frames, forcing Rockford turnovers and pressing the Regent defense. Finally, six minutes into the second overtime period
German Tinoco brought Rockford's keeper far out of the box, and a mishandled ball from the netminder allowed freshman
John Walsh to send the long strike into the net for CUC's game-winning golden goal.
With the win, CUC moves to 2-3 in NACC play and will return to the pitch at home this weekend against Marian University at noon.
