Cougars Beat Bobcats In Overtime Thriller

Cougars Beat Bobcats in Overtime Thriller
By David Gravely

Last week the Cougar soccer team traveled to Radford, and at the end of the contest the issue remained tied after a scoreless overtime. This week, it looked like the outcome would end up the same until the final seconds of the second overtime period when the Cougars were able to finish the contest in a thrilling 4-3 overtime win over the Bobcats.

For the first twenty minutes, the ball went back and forth with neither team able to take advantage of scoring opportunities. The Bobcats would get on the board first when Hunter Kincaid fielded a misplayed ball from the Cougar defense, putting the Bobcats up 1-0. The Bobcats had another chance a couple of minutes later when they were awarded a penalty kick, but Zack Willard came up with the big save to swing momentum the Cougars way.

At the 15 minute mark Tye Saul found an open Andrew Powers, who sent in a hard kicked curving shot into the back of the net, tying the score 1-1. The remainder of the half found both sides battling to keep possession, and finally in the closing seconds of the first half, Daegan Friend was fouled in the box. Javier Wagner converted the penalty kick, putting the Cougars on top 2-1.

The Bobcats came out in the second half attacking a flat Cougar team. They capitalized in the first minute of the half when Juan Perez placed a shot into the back of the net, making the score 2-2. Pulaski would answer back with just over 33 minutes remaining when a free kick from Taylor Webster found an open Cory McDaniel who volleyed the ball from 18 yards out, putting the Cougars on top 3-2. With just 14:20 on the clock, Radford's Carson Hooper took advantage of the Cougar's inability to clear the ball, tying the score 3-3. The Bobcats tried to capitalize on numerous scoring chances in the closing minutes of regulation, but Willard and the Cougar defense kept them at bay. When the clock ran out, the score remained 3-3.

In the first 5 minute overtime period, both teams failed to get any good looks at each others goals. In the second overtime period, it looked like the stalemate would continue, and the Cougars thought they were going to end up with another tie. In the closing seconds of the match Zack Willard boomed around a 70-80 yards punt towards the Bobcat goal. The ball bounced to the left of the Bobcat goal, and Zack Akers hustled to get it and pass it to Javier Wagner, who chipped the ball in giving the Cougars the 4-3 victory.

"I am proud of the guys tonight" said Cougar Head Coach Mike Price. "They played to the final whistle, and it paid off. We had a lot of guys playing through injuries tonight, and I am impressed with their grit. Andrew, Javier, and Cory helped give us the offensive production we needed. Our midfielders (Cody Wright, Austin Talbert, Tye Saul, Trevor Hedge, and Daegan Friend) were all over the field. Jordan Taylor, Gabe Leblanc, Taylor Webster, Cody Linkous, and Kevin Powell played well in defense. Zack Willard had a great game as well for us, recording 11 saves....some of them breakaways. We still have some ball movement issues, and we aren't working the sidelines well. We also have to quit giving the opponent numerous looks at our goal by not properly clearing the ball. Marking up seems to be an issue as well. Hats off to Radford, they have a great team. Regardless, this was one of the most nerve racking games I have ever coached. I don't need blasts to the ticker like that. In the end, we came away with the victory, and I hope we continue to improve and keep winning."

The Cougars hit the road in a scheduled varsity double header on Wednesday in Galax with the Lady Cougars varsity team. The girls will take the field first, kicking things off at 5:30. The boys will finish the night off, getting under way at 7 pm.