Houghton, N.Y. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team was unable to hold on to a two-goal lead against Houghton College on Tuesday night, eventually falling to the Highlanders in overtime 4-3.
The Panthers fell behind early, as the hosts were able to score in the second minute, heading home a shot after a free-kick. After the goal, the Panthers fought off 15 minutes of pressure and were able to swiftly counter the Highlanders' attack to tie the game. In the 19th minute, Jan Winnewisser gained possession of the ball in the center circle, he was able to play a through ball behind the Houghton defense to find Chase Rider sprinting towards goal. Rider took one touch to control the pass and calmly slid a shot into the right corner to even the match at one.
8 minutes later, the Panthers used the counterattack to take the lead. Rider was able to poke the ball away from a Houghton defender, where it was collected by Brent Kennedy. Kennedy played a pass back to Rider towards the goal line, who passed back across goal to find Winnewisser who was able to hit a one-time shot into the open right side of the goal.
The Panthers held their lead through halftime and added to it on the other side of the break. In the 57th, Morounfoluwa Olorunyomi was able to touch the ball away from a Houghton attacker near the 18-yard box, and it was collected by Devin Stowe. Stowe found Kennedy near the center circle, who chipped a pass over the top of the Highlander defense to find Rider on a full sprint. Rider took one touch to control the pass beyond the last defender and used a toe-poke to shoot around the goalkeeper for his 8th goal of the season.
The Panthers attempted to hold off the hosts but were undone by set pieces in the second half. Just minutes after Rider scored his second, the Highlanders used a set play on a free-kick from the top of the box that resulted in a tap-in finish. With 5 minutes to go, Houghton completed the comeback off another freekick. On a cross from the left-wing, a Houghton attacker met the ball at the back post for a headed goal to send the game to overtime.
In the extra period, it only took Houghton 3 minutes to find a winner. Following another freekick, the Highlanders were able to control a loose rebound in the box and find the net for the golden goal.
Rider's 2 goals moved him back into a tie at the top of the AMCC leaderboard. He has accounted for 20 points through seven games played, the second-highest total in the conference. Winnewisser's goal was his third of the year, as he also notched his first assist for the Panthers. He led the team with 4 shots, putting them all on target. Kennedy's assist was his second of the season. In his second start of the season, Jared Scarlett made 7 saves in the loss.
The Panthers (3-4-1, 1-0 AMCC) will return to conference action over the weekend. They will hit the road and head to Mount Aloysius for their game on Saturday. Kickoff for the contest is scheduled for 3:15.
