A Denison goal in the sixth minute of overtime ended a comeback effort by the Wabash soccer team Saturday afternoon in a 3-2 loss to the Big Red.
The Little Giants (6-5, 0-2 NCAC) took an early 1-0 lead when Ryan Fier scored his second goal of the season moments after Denison (5-5, 1-1 NCAC) went down a man with a red card. Fifteen minutes later in the match, the Little Giants dropped to 10 men after Alex Lyon was issued a red card.
Denison scored two second half goals to take a 2-1 lead, getting the second goal on a penalty kick with 15 minutes left to play in the match. Femi Oluyedun tied the match in the 83rd minute with an goal on an assist from Ian Kelly. Each team managed a shot on goal in the extra session before Preston Wagner's second goal of the match found the back of the net to give Denison the victory.
"Our guys fought hard," Head Coach Roberto Giannini said. "After the red cards we kept our heads and played good soccer and continued to do what we do best. It just seems that we always face these heartbreaking conclusions. Both teams took good shots on goal. Denison's keeper made some very good saves, and we just couldn't put the game away after we tied the match.
"Once again we've shown we can compete with anyone. We still need to be more clear minded toward the end of games, but overall the guys did an excellent job. I was proud of them. We were just inches away from coming away with a victory."
Wabash goalkeeper Ian MacDougall recorded six saves, while Denison's Matt Wagner stopped seven Wabash shots. Tommy Pecar and Bobby Thompson each had two shots on goal for the Little Giants.
Wabash returns to action Tuesday afternoon with a 4 p.m. home match against Transylvania.