When things aren't going your way, hard work eventually will pay off.
As was the case for Ashland University's men's soccer team on Saturday (Sept. 28) night at Ferguson Field, as two late goals in less than two minutes lifted the Eagles to a 2-1 win over Ohio Dominican.
Ashland is 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, and the Panthers are 0-6-1, 0-4.
"The game was basically two teams that are struggling, that are rivals, it's just combustible," said Ashland head coach
Nick Roberts. "We've got players that we know are proven goal scorers, and it just hasn't been happening. They kept working, they kept fighting.
"Those are the types of games that hopefully can turn your season around. They work hard every game. The players have been frustrated, I've been frustrated. You get one today, and that gives you a chance to turn it around."
The scoreless tie was broken in the 71
st minute when ODU's Blaivon James scored outside of the 18, unassisted.
Then, in the 87
th minute, fifth-year midfielder
Oliver Whaley leveled the score after taking a penalty kick – drawn by senior midfielder
Evans Armah – and depositing the ball in the back of the Panther net for his second goal of 2024.
Less then two minutes later, in the 89
th minute, senior forward
Pedro Faria's first goal of the campaign on a long strike gave AU the lead on a pass from Armah for his second assist as an Eagle.
…AND THE REST OF THE STORY
- Senior goalkeeper Ty Bowden made four saves in the victory.
- Ashland out-shot ODU by an 18-8 count, while the Panthers had a slim 7-6 corner kicks margin.
- The Eagles have won the last three games in the series, and are 11-6-2 all-time vs. the Panthers.
UP NEXT
Back at home on Thursday (Oct. 3) at 6:30 p.m. vs. Cedarville (3-4-1, 1-2-1).
