Lions battle back from 2-0 halftime deficit to score three unanswered, including game-winner in extra time
SAINT LEO, Fla. (October 18, 2014) – Saint Leo defender Matt Campbell used his head, and not just with calm and collected play, scoring two headers to help the ninth-ranked Saint Leo men's soccer team to a 3-2 overtime win over Barry University on Saturday night at University Field.
The win advances the Lions' record to 9-1-2 and 5-1-0 in Sunshine State Conference play, while the Buccaneers drop to a mark of 5-6-1, and 1-4-0 in the SSC.
After finding themselves in a 2-0 deficit at the half, the Lions battled back to earn their second come-from-behind victory this season. Campbell put the Lions on the board three minutes into the second half, and went on to earn the game-winner three and a half minutes into extra time, scoring both off of headers with both assists from Jules Verdin. Henry Adu notched the game-tying tally on an unassisted goal to help ignite the Lions' level of play.
"We truly dug ourselves out of a hole and showed some great team spirit tonight," said head coach Keith Fulk. "Campbell showed some great level-headed play and scored two great goals, and Henry has shown an increased level of intensity and desire that we're really excited about. The win was great, but we have to focus on Florida Southern, which is going to be a tough game on the road."
Barry held the upper hand in the first half and got on the board early off of a goal by Patrick Drmola off of an assist by Jordan Silverstone in the 16th minute. Saint Leo fired off four shots throughout the remainder of the first half, but were unable to capitalize on their offensive efforts. Barry found the back of the net once more as Connor Randel scored in the 42nd minute off of an assist from Manuel Perez, giving the Buccaneers a 2-0 lead at the break.
Saint Leo turned up the intensity coming out of halftime, firing two quick shots less than a minute into the period, and getting four quick corner kicks to open the half. Alexander Racca fired a hard shot that was saved by Jimmy McGregor in the 48th minute, and a minute later, Campbell was able to put the Lions on the scoreboard with his first header of the evening.
Adu checked into the match and instantly turned the intensity up even further. Adu settled a misplayed ball by McGuire in the box, and was able to slip the ball past the still recovering keeper to tie the game at 2-2 in the 54th minute.
Saint Leo continued to press forward, outshooting the Buccaneers 7-5 throughout the remainder of regulation. Manuel Schoenhuber came up big in the second stanza, earning two saves in the 62nd and 66th minutes, followed by a big save in the 75th to hold the Bucs at bay.
Alexander Racca had a solid look on frame in 77th minute, but the shot was slightly high and ricocheted off the crossbar. Just two minutes later, Racca had another hard shot on target, but once again the crossbar thwarted his efforts. Racca's shot ricocheted back to Nicolas Krause, who could have sealed the deal with a header, but McGregor made some quick moves to earn the save and keep the Lions off the board.
Saint Leo entered into extra time with a vengeance, keeping the Buccaneers from maintaining possession, and firing off four shots, including Campbell's game-winning header to secure the victory.
The Lions led the shot count 23-10, as well as with shots on goal, 10-5. Schoenhuber earned three saves on the night, while McGregor received credit for seven saves. The Lions led the game in corner kicks, 10-3, while Barry committed more fouls, 17-10. In a physical, hard fought battle, Saint Leo received two yellow cards, while Barry was dished out three.
The Saint Leo men's soccer team returns to action on Tuesday, October 21, when they travel to Lakeland, Fla. to take on Florida Southern in SSC action. Game time against the Mocs is slated for 7 p.m.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
