Ashland Ends Season With 2-1 Overtime Loss to Lewis NCAA Men's Soccer Regional Action
Release courtesy of Ashland University Sports Information Department
SPRINGFIELD, MO – In a contest that
appeared would be a victory for the Eagles, the Lewis Flyers came
back and won on a golden goal in the 93rd minute. The goal sent
Lewis to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Senior Nestor
Hernandez scored the game-winning goal after the Eagles’
defense fell apart to leave the net wide open.
The Eagles (12-4-5) took the early lead off of a 35-yard free kick
by senior James Livingston. Livingston hit a low flier that the
keeper got his hands on, but it scooted through for a goal with
eight seconds to go in the first half. It was the first goal
freshman Sebastian Kieruzal has allowed in over 700 minutes. The
goal was Livinston's sixth goal of the year. It marked an active
half for Livingston as he had two previous shots just miss goals.
The first was wide right by a foot and the second rocketed off the
crossbar.
The two teams were tied in shots in the first frame at three a
piece. The Flyers (14-3-2) had two shots on goal, but senior Blaize
Lishewski knocked both of the shots away. The Eagles led in corners
2-1 in the first.
In the second half neither team could gain an advantage early. An
early yellow card went to Lewis midfielder Mardoche Beya. The ball
was played mostly in the middle of the field. The Flyers put on the
pressure in the last 15 minutes as they attempted to tie the
contest. Lewis scored the tying goal in the 85th minute on a
30-yard looping shot by Jose Ibarra. The ball bounced high and
tipped off the fingertips of Lishewski before finding the back of
the net. It was Ibarra’s second goal of the season.
The two teams went to overtime where Hernandez ended the contest
for the Flyers. It was Hernandez’s 13th goal of the season
and his seventh game-winning goal. Charlie Bucio had the assist as
two Ashland defenders misplayed the ball to leave Bucio the
opportunity to shoot or pass the ball off.
The Flyers outshot the Eagles in the contest 14-7, and also led in
corner kicks, 6-2. Lishewski made six saves, while Kieruzal made
three.
