GALLOWAY, N.J. – A shorthanded Eastern University men's soccer squad rallied with a second-half goal to salvage a tie in a non-league match at Stockton University.
After falling behind in the 40th minute, the Eagles (11-4-1) tied the match on a
Dennis Cosgrove header in the 71st minute.
Colin Furlong spun a corner into the box to earn his tenth assist of the season. That is the highest total by an Eastern player since Brian Dennstaedt picked up 16 in 2000.
The goal was a huge moment, but the play of the match came in the 90th minute. The Ospreys (12-3-4) had an open chance from in close on a broken play. The low shot beat
Quentin Keibler, but
Jake Cahill knocked the ball off the goal line to send the match to overtime.
The Eagles played the match without Jake Myers and
Cade Harmon who were held out after picking up injuries in Eastern's double-overtime loss on Saturday.
"Our guys fought really hard tonight," Head Coach
Jeremy Payne said after the match. "I think you saw a team that was bought in and also coachable.
Sean Dougherty and Sammy [Sutherland] played more than they are used to, and there were definitely times where they needed to work through being tired. We had good efforts from
Jadon Ramsing,
Jake Sankey, Cahill, and Colin who went the full 110."
Payne was pleased that the team showed the ability to adjust to a different game plan with shorter numbers and short rest.
"It was hard with Jake Myers and
Cade Harmon tonight," he added. "We have been fighting injuries all season. We have a next man up mentality. However, both of those guys will be back for Saturday and we may get
Vanji Moise back as well."
Sam Sutherland created the best chance of extra-time with a run toward the top of the box. He was fouled at the top of the box before he could release a shot. Furlong's effort from 22 yards curled just over the top of the bar.
Keibler finished with six saves in goal as Stockton and a 13-8 edge in shots.
The Eagles will host DeSales with the top seed in the MAC Freedom on the line. The Eagles will claim the top seed with a win but could fall to third with a tie or a loss.
"We are still trying to find a way of working very hard and being gritty and hard-nosed but combining that with possession and good combination play," Payne concluded. "I don't think think that we have played our best yet I am hoping it will be Saturday. "
