Wabash saw its goal of earning its first berth in the North Coast Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Tournament ended on a golden goal in double overtime in a 3-2 loss at Oberlin.
The Little Giants fell behind 2-0 to the Yeomen before rallying with goals from Ryan Fier and Femi Oluyedun in the final 20 minutes to draw even. After a scoreless first overtime period, Oberlin’s Skyler Dum scored his third goal of the match three minutes into the final extra session to drop the Little Giants to sixth in the final league standings. The top-four teams in the standings, based on total points, earn a place in the tournament.
“What a heartbreaker,” head coach Roberto Giannini said after the match. “We were obviously disappointed --- the guys had their heads down coming off the field at the end of the match. It’s important to remember that we’ve taken tremendous strides forward this season. We know now we are in contention for a place in the NCAC Tournament. We’re still very young. We’re going to take this season and carry it over to next season.
“I’m very proud of the work ethic of these players. I think that showed in the way they came back in today’s match. It’s the type of spirit I’ve seen from them all year long.”
Wabash finishes the season 9-9-1 overall, 4-5 in the NCAC. The nine victories are the most since finishing with 11 wins in 1998, and is the first season finishing at .500 or better since that year, as well.
Photo - Allan Swan battles with an Oberlin player during Saturday's regular season finale.
