The Ashland University men's soccer team came back from a 1-0 halftime deficit to beat host Purdue Northwest, 3-1, on Sunday (April 25) in the GLIAC Tournament quarterfinal in Hammond, Ind.
Ashland advanced to the GLIAC Tournament semifinal for the second time in three seasons. The Eagles won the tournament championship in 2018.
The No. 5-seed Eagles (4-4) applied continuous pressure in the second half, outshooting the Pride, 10-5, after halftime as they went for the win against the No. 4-seed Pride (4-4).
Purdue Northwest got on the board in the seventh minute on a goal by Isaiah Nieves, but were able to keep the Pride off the board for the remainder of the half.
Junior
Joseph Renner notched the equalizer in the 55
th minute as he scored off a corner kick by junior
Zane Van Fossen. It was the second goal in as many weeks for Renner and the first assist for Van Fossen.
The Eagles scored the game-winning goal in the 84
th minute as a couple quick passes, the last a cross from the right side into the box was slotted home by junior
Kieran Paterson. The assists were credited to junior
Haruki Kimura and freshman
Rafael Pereira.
Paterson removed all doubt in the 88
th minute when he converted from the penalty spot for his second goal of the game. He now has four goals on the season.
Senior keeper
Jakob Henriksen made three saves to earn the win while PNW keeper Raull Garrido Garcia stopped four shots.
The Eagles will now play host and No. 7-ranked Saginaw Valley (8-0) on Friday (April 30) in the semifinal in University Center, Mich. Kickoff time is to be determined.
AU
MSOC/BB
