Overtime PK Lifts Lancers Past Mt. Vernon Nazarene
Posted
Josh Neuhart-
WINONA LAKE – A Kyle Hamlin penalty kick gave Grace a 1-0 overtime win over Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Saturday. The Lancers move to 9-4 overall and 4-1 in the Crossroads League, maintaining a tie for first place in the CL standings. Despite a number of strong chances for both teams, the match remained scoreless until the 97th minute. Jon Christensen played a through ball to Damon Binkley on the right side of the penalty box. Binkley cut back toward the middle and was pulled down, resulting in the penalty kick call. Hamlin then calmly drilled the ensuing PK to win the match in golden goal fashion. Grace outshot the Cougars (5-5-4, 1-2-2 CL) 11-6 in the match, while Mt. Vernon had three shots on goal compared to two for Grace. Both teams had good looks in the opening 10 minutes. Mt. Vernon nearly scored off a corner kick, but Dylan Andersen headed the ball off the goal line. Nikola Djordjevic got a shot off after Grace forced a turnover. He had another look in the 15th minute, firing above the crossbar after the freshman split two defenders. The first threatening chance of the second half went to Grace. Collin Cape unleashed a 22-yard blast off a free kick that forced a nice save by the Cougars’ goalkeeper. Dominic Harris proved to be a central figure in the second half, breaking loose for a pair of fastbreak opportunities. But the forward was unable to direct his shots on frame. Justin Festa also had a headed effort in the final minute of regulation that went high, and the match headed to overtime. Grace, who outshot Mt. Vernon 7-2 in the second half, continued to be the offensive aggressor in overtime. Mt. Vernon was held without a shot attempt in overtime, and Grace’s winning play happened in the 97th minute. Robbie Barnhill picked up his fifth shutout of the season in goal, making three saves. He was defended well by the back line of Andersen, Justin Festa, Jonathan Sands and Josiah Osborn. The Lancers will travel to Goshen on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. clash with the Maple Leafs.
Grace Plays To A Draw With No. 20 Mt. Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - For only the second time this season, Grace’s No. 8-ranked women’s soccer team was held without a goal. The Lady Lancers (10-1-2, 2-1-2 Crossroads League) tied No. 20 Mt. Vernon Nazarene 0-0 on Saturday in an NAIA Top 25 clash. Grace had an impressive 25-11 advantage in shot attempts in the match, including a 10-3 advantage in shots on goal. But the Cougars (8-4-2, 1-2-2 CL) withstood Grace’s attack as the match ended in a draw. The first half was a stalemate. Grace created more chances, producing five shots and three corner kicks over the first 45 minutes. Carianne Sobey had two looks at Mt. Vernon’s goal while Meghan Wiles also tried a late shot on goal. The Cougars took two shots, although neither attempt was on goal. The Lady Lancers amped up their offense in the second half and had a number of near-misses. Mallory Rondeau created a golden opportunity five minutes after halftime. She beat a defender along the left sideline and crossed a ball into the box, but Darcy Johnston’s close-range shot went wide. Rondeau proved dangerous again on the left side in the 57th minute, cutting inside and unleashing a low shot that forced a diving save. With just eight minutes remaining, Meredith Hollar broke free behind the Cougars’ backline. Her shot under pressure was deflected by MVNU’s goalkeeper, however, and the ball rolled inches wide of the goalpost. Hollar had two more strong looks in the final five minutes. Her first deep shot sailed above the crossbar, and the second attempt was a low line drive that was saved. The match headed to overtime where neither side managed to score the golden goal winner. The Lady Lancers were dominant offensively in the first overtime session, pinning MVNU back in their defensive side of the field. Grace took all five shots recorded in the period but to no avail. Less than a minute into the second OT period, Sobey played a leading pass to Hollar on the right side of the penalty box. Hollar’s high attempt was punched above the crossbar by the goalie. Grace continued to apply pressure on the Cougars’ defense, but the visitors could not break free for a clean shot as the game ended in a scoreless tie. The 0-0 scoreline represents Grace’s eighth shutout of the year. Grace goalkeeper Abby Schue recorded three saves in 110 minutes of action. Hollar fired off nine shots with five on goal, and Rondeau tried four shots. Grace also had a 9-2 lead in corner kicks. The Lady Lancers return home on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. match with Goshen.
