MCKENZIE, Tenn. (Sept. 3, 2018) – Joao Costa buried the golden goal for the Truett McConnell University men's soccer team, who is receiving votes in the latest NAIA top 25, in a double overtime face off at Bethel University on Monday. Costa's goal fastened TMU's third victory and third shutout of the season over the Wildcats 1-0.
FIRST 90 MINUTES
Costa, Austin Manzo and Clancy Loudermilk all saw quality opportunities in the first 45 minutes of play. Both teams had their fair share of shots compiling a total of four apiece. However, the Wildcats came out in the second half attacking six times in comparison to the Bears' two. Despite being outshot, TMU's defense was resilient and refused to let up a goal. The Bears have yet to allow a goal this season.
In the final minute of the game, Bethel earned a corner kick which enabled an opportunity but it proved not enough as the game was sent into the first overtime.
OVERTIME 1 & 2
The Wildcats challenged Evan Gaffney with a shot in the first two minutes and with another that hit the crossbar but Gaffney's clean sheet remained secure. Still a scoreless match, the game was forced into double overtime. Victor Clemente took the first chance at the 105th minute but Costa finished the job after senior Jacob Sharp found his feet. Costa took one dribble to get free of the defender and ripped a low shot for the winning goal.
COACH'S COMMENTS
"This was a great win for us," Head Coach Rob Miller said. "Bethel had an extra day of rest and we played at their place which is a super tough place to go. They are a great team with some quality players and it was a fantastic game. From back to front we worked our socks off and in the end it was a great goal from Costa to seal the win after an amazing ball from Sharp.
We had a lot of decisions not go in our favor but the boys fought through it and showed great character. Three wins and three clean sheets is something we are very proud of and want to continue to build on."
LEADERS
Gaffney completed his third shutout of the season tallying three saves. Costa led with four shots while Clemente followed with two.
UP NEXT
The Bears will return home to the TMU Soccer Complex for the next three games. On Saturday, Sept. 8, at 2:30 p.m., the Bears will face Bluefield College for their first Appalachian Athletic Conference game and on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 4:30 p.m., TMU will go head to head with Tennessee Wesleyan.
