CALIFORNIA, Pa. - The Gannon men's soccer team recorded a comeback for the ages Saturday night. The Golden Knights scored a pair of game-tying goals in the final 15 minutes and 35 seconds of regulation, before
Niko Popovich (Columbus, Ohio/Dublin Scioto) netted the game-winner with 2:19 left in the first overtime to steal a 3-2 victory at California (Pa.).
The final 16 minutes of regulation gave the fans who braved the steady rain all they could handle as the two clubs tallied three goals during an important Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) match. Both teams entered Saturday's action just outside the top six teams that qualify for the conference tournament.
Trailing 2-1, Bennett scored arguably Gannon's biggest goal of the season. The junior was able to get deep into the goalie box and scored unassisted with 1:50 left in regulation. It was his 13th goal of the season.
Gannon carried play for the majority of the overtime session, out-shooting California (Pa.) 4-1 during the extra period. Popovich capped the pressure with 2:19 left in the first overtime, becoming the hero with a hard shot that ripped into the right corner of the net. The sophomore now has two game-winning goals this season.
In a match critical to both team's postseason hopes, California (Pa.) struck quickly on Kendall Herring's goal 7:44 into the contest. The Vulcan midfielder converted a crossing pass from Jeffrey Kyei from inside the box for a 1-0 lead.
The home squad held the lead for 66 minutes and 41 seconds until the fireworks began.
Tyron Springer (Johannesburg, South Africa/St. David's Marist Inanda) ignited the action with a game-tying goal in the 75th minute. The redshirt  junior netted his second score of the season off an assist from
Nick Stephenson (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake).
California (Pa.) needed only 35 seconds to take the air out of Gannon's sails with a goal of its own to regain the lead at 2-1. Elliot Taylor provided the blow with a perfect lob shot over the Gannon goalkeeper. Cory Kuzilla was credited with the assist.
Gannon held slight advantages in shots (12-10), corner kicks (3-2) and fouls (16-11).
Matthew Dixon (Durban, South Africa/Westville Boys) recorded four saves while improving to 2-1 in three starts this season. Alex Heston turned away one shot for the Vulcans.
Head coach
Rob van Rheenen's squad improved to 6-8 overall and evened its PSAC record at 5-5. The Golden Knights moved into a three-way tie for third place in the PSAC with Saturday's decision. California (Pa.) dropped to 5-8-1 overall and 2-4-1 in conference action.
Gannon returns to action Wednesday, October 23 at NCAA Division I University of Buffalo. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
