FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. At the Monarch SoccerPlex, Methodist's men's soccer team hosted LaGrange College Saturday afternoon in what served as the USA South Conference opener for both teams. It took over 102 minutes to decide a victor, with LaGrange winning 2-1 in the second overtime period.
Tyler Hinton broke a 0-0 tie with a short-hand goal in the 36th minute. Evan Sampers scored the Panthers' two goals to win the game for LaGrange. Sampers equalized the game in the 45th minute and won in the 102nd minute.
It was a chippy game as three yellow cards were assessed and two players -- one from each team -- were sent off the pitch with a red card. However, the Monarchs had to play down a man longer as they were forced to play with 10 players following their red card in the 27th minute. It was not until the first overtime that the Panthers were assessed a red card.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final Score: LaGrange def. Methodist, 2-1 2OT
Records: Methodist 1-1, LaGrange 2-3
Location: Monarch SoccerPlex; Fayetteville, N.C.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Hinton scored off of a rebound as Matteo Amendola's shot was saved but Lucas Wright, the goalie for LaGrange was unable to field the ball cleanly.
- The Monarchs came out the gates aggressive, putting up six shots in the first 20 minutes of the first half.
- Speaking of aggressive, Sampers scored in the opening minute of the second half with an assist from Jaydon Parish.
- The Panthers had eight corner kicks compared to just two for the Monarchs. It was off a corner kick that Sampers won the game for LaGrange.
- Cameron Wilson is no doubt lamenting his shot in the 68th minute as the potential go-ahead goal hit off the top woodwork.
STAT FACTS
- LaGrange had a 20-15 shot advantage but only a 7-6 edge in shots on target.
- Rylan Hoerning led Methodist with four shots taken.
- Cole Hupp earned five saves in his 102-plus minutes in goal.
- Sampers was two-for-two, two shots, two on frame, and two goals.
UP NEXT
- The Monarchs are back on the pitch at Monarch SoccerPlex Sunday at 2 p.m. against Huntingdon College in conference action.
- LaGrange travels to Rocky Mount, N.C. to take on N.C. Wesleyan in conference play Sunday at 2 p.m.
