Warrior Season Ends in 2OT Loss
| Final | 1 | 2 | OT | OT2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sterling (10-9-2, 6-5-2) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|
Wayland Baptist (TX) (8-6-2, 4-4-1) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Sterling, Kan. – The Sterling Men's Soccer season came to a close Tuesday afternoon at the hands of Wayland Baptist in the NCCAA DI Region Semifinal. Sterling took a 2-1 loss in double overtime.
It was a rough start for the Warriors as Wayland took the opening kick and punched in the first goal of the game just 13 seconds into the match. It was an unfortunate touch that led to the goal. Sterling controlled the ball most of the first half following the opening score but was unable to find the net.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Sterling tied the match up at one when a pair of nice passes from Cameron Sinclair and Keegan Witbooi made the defense move out of position in order for Mateus Lara to find the net. It was a 1-1 tie in the 57th minute. No more offense was recorded in regulation.
Last season, overtime was removed from regular season matches when a winner was not needed to be determined. This, however, was a postseason matchup. In the NCCAA, two full-time overtime periods are played and if the score is still tied, the game is determined by penalty kicks.
In the final minute of the first overtime period, the Pioneers, on a questionable offside no-call, found a one-on-one with the keeper and were able score a goal. Neither team scored in the final minute of that period or the second overtime period. Sterling took the 2-1 loss in overtime.
Daniel Pantaleon was the keeper of record and he recorded 9 saves, several of which were spectacular in tough situations.
Sterling concludes their season with a 10-9-2 record and finished with a 6-5-2 record in the KCAC. The Warrior's season was highlighted by a tie with, then 10th ranked, Oklahoma Wesleyan University in the middle of the season. Sterling's longest win streak this season was five games.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
