MEMPHIS, Tenn.- It was not a pleasant scene walking into Signaigo Field for the NCAA Division II Soccer Championship South Regional. Christian Brothers was already warming up on its home field, the clouds above blocked any sun, and on top of that the rain that was falling was only a couple degrees away from being snow. Saint Leo certainly was not in Florida anymore.
However all those negatives wouldn't prevent the Lions from advancing to the Third Round of the 2014 NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championship after downing Christian Brothers in a penalty kick shootout, 5-4. The two teams were tied 2-2 after 90 minutes of regulation and two overtime periods.
As if the elements weren't enough however, around the 20th minute junior defender Franck Bayebanen went down with an injury that sidelined him the rest of the game. The Lions were in a bit of a shock through much of the first half. Just shy of the 30 minute mark, a hard tackle in the 18-yard box led to a penalty kick and a Christian Brothers lead. Jose Ferraz, the Buccaneers leading scorer hit for his 12th of the season. Saint Leo was able to gain their footing a little bit and despite the press of the Buccaneers went into half down one.
The break allowed the Lions to gather their composure and evaluate what was and was not working. Right from the kick off the green and gold came out fired up. A good chance opened up in the box with Bafou Sanogo, but a double team and a foul led to an Alex Racca PK. Equalized. Racca beat the keeper to get the Lions on the board just one minute 22 seconds into the second half.
The game continued to be a physical bout with two stingy defensive sides. For as much as CBU was able to control the first half, it was Saint Leo who controlled the second. In the 64th minute the Lions were awarded a corner kick. Alex Racca curled in a beauty right to the dome of six foot two freshman Matthias Katerna. The Oberasbach, Germany native put it right in the back of the net and the Lions take the lead and the momentum.
Christian Brothers may have been down, but not out. They fought with an intensity made for the playoffs. At times though, it was too intense and led to four yellow cards on the day. In the 81st minute however, a nice ball in to the box was followed by a give and go between Brendan Bennett and Jose Ferraz. For the second time today, Ferraz beats keeper Manuel Schoenhuber for the goal. The momentum seemed to be shifting in the Buccaneers favor by the sound of the crowd cheers.
The next 10 minutes were well fought without either side giving much opportunity to the other. The stage was set for extra time.
In overtime both teams were trying hard for that golden goal. Between the two periods CBU was able to get four shots on goal, but to no avail. Saint Leo had their opportunities as well, but Britton McGuire, the Christian Brothers keeper, was tough in net. This game was going to be decided by PKs.
Christian Brothers' Brendan Bennett led off with strong goal to the keeper's right side. Alex Racca followed for Saint Leo and scored to the opposite side. Shane Keely was up next and went low left to Schoenhuber's dismay. On deck for the Lions was Kandai Otsuka. He didn't have a lot of minutes, but with a booming kick to the top right corner of the net he made his PK count. The following play proved to be the key to the Lion's victory as Samuel Wilson tried to sneak a low ball past the keeper, but Manny was able to make the stop. Each of the remaining participants made their shots including the game winning kick by SSC Freshman of the Year Jules Verdin.
"We were very confident and composed going into the PKs and Manny came up with the big save. Going on the road and in the conditions, I'm really pleased with the resilience of the team," said head coach Keith Fulk. "It's the first time we got hit hard and were able to fight back. I'm extremely proud of how they battled."
Christian Brothers ends their season with a record of 14-3-1.
The Lions will next face conference foe Lynn at Young Harris College in Georgia. Date and time to be determined.
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.
