Box Score

The Spalding University men's soccer team lost 2-1 on a golden goal in double overtime at Wabash College. Aden Abdirahman scored the first goal of the game that put the Golden Eagles up 1-0 early in the first half. Wabash was able to level the game at 1-1 entering halftime. The second half and first overtime were scoreless. With just four minutes remaining in the second overtime, Wabash was able to find the game winner.
 
In the 12^th minute of the contest, Aden Abdirahman found the back of the net. The play started with a clearance from the Wabash goalkeeper. Cory House was able to get his foot on the end of the punt and place a ball directly to Abdirahman's feet. Abdirahman turned and successfully beat two defenders. He was able to get off a shot from 22 yards out that froze the Wabash keeper and gave Spalding a 1-0 lead.
 
Wabash had a great opportunity to tie the game in the 37^th minute when Logan Spencer came off his line to stop a run out from the Wabash attack. The ball was played over the top of a sliding Spencer and bounced towards the goal line. A sprinting Brent Hannah was able to heroically clear the ball off the line just before it went into the goal. However, Wabash was able to capitalize on the ensuing corner kick. The ball was played in from the right corner. A poor clearance allowed for Wabash to get off a shot from the left side of the field that curled towards the far post and into the goal, tying the game at 1-1 in the 38^th minute.
 
Spencer kept the Golden Eagles hopes alive with his valiant effort in the second half and overtime. In the 49^th minute, the goal post aided Spencer when a headed ball from the Wabash attack slammed off of it, keeping the score tied at 1-1. In the 59^th minute, Spencer made a spectacular save when he was able to get his hand on a blast from the top of the 18-yard box to effectively push the ball over the top of the goal.  Spencer was tested again in the 88^th minute when he was able to stifle a breakaway attempt, and the two shots that immediately followed allowing the game to enter overtime tied 1-1.
 
In the second overtime, in the 106^th minute, Wabash was finally able to punish Spalding with a golden goal. A poor clearance on the right side of the field allowed Wabash to retain possession. The ball was sent into the box, and after a furious scramble the ball wound up in the back of the net, stunning the Golden Eagles and giving Wabash the 2-1 double overtime victory.
 
On the day, Spencer made eight saves, but saw his streak of over 250 scoreless minutes come to an end with Wabash's goal in the first half. A great atmosphere saw a physical game that totaled a combined 28 fouls and three cautions. Spalding was outshot 22-8, but did score the first goal that Wabash has conceded this season when Abdirahman registered his tally early in the first half.
 
After opening the season with six games on the road or at a neutral site, the Golden Eagles record now sits at a respectable 4-2. The Spalding University men's soccer team is set to begin a four game home stand with the home opener scheduled for Friday, September 19 against Illinois College at Champions Trace. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM EST.