ERIE, Pa. - Extra sessions have not been friendly to the Gannon men's soccer team this weekend. One day after Millersville defeated Gannon in overtime, Derrick Roy's goal after a scramble with 2:47 remaining in double overtime pushed Shippensburg to a 3-2 victory against the Golden Knights before a stunned crowd at Gannon University Field.
Shippensburg, ranked seventh in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Atlantic regional rankings, went in front early on Chris Black's first goal of the season 10:02 into the contest. Gannon was unable to handle Patrick Urmson's lob into the box, leading to Black's score.
Gannon trailed 1-0 at the half, but appeared to come out of the locker room rejuvenated.
Robbie Bennett (Pinetown, South Africa/St. Benedict School) knotted the match at one after a wild series of plays in the 66th minute.
Sean Pike (Liverpool, England/Range) took the initial shot that was blocked.
Niko Popovich (Columbus, Ohio/Dublin Scioto) got to the loose ball and followed with a blast off the post. The ball then came directly to Bennett, who scored from the left side.
The home squad began to swarm to the ball at that point. The pressure eventually led to another goal 5:34 later.
Gavin Linsell (Johannesburg, South Africa/King Edward VII) hit the post after a foul, before Popovich headed in the rebound for a 2-1 lead at the 70:46 mark.
However, Shippensburg wasn't about the fade. The Raiders regrouped to score the tying goal with 7:44 remaining in regulation. Roy scored the first of his two goals with a header off a Josh Gannon pass to draw even. He had another chance to win the match in regulation, but his point-blank shot from 15 yards out with 4:59 to play was turned away by a
Jason Barbarino (Pittsburgh, Pa./Plum Senior) diving save.
After a scoreless first overtime session, both goalkeepers were on display during the second extra period. Barbarino recorded saves in the 103rd and 105th minutes for Gannon. Shippensburg goalie Clay Sale answered with a save of his own in the 106th minute.
Ship's winning goal came after a moment of chaos in the box. The Raiders pressured into the box when the visitors claimed their offensive player was pulled down in the box. After play continued without a whistle, Oli Templeton lobbed the loose ball back in front where Roy scored the game-winner with 2:47 left in the second overtime.
Shippensburg out-shot Gannon 19-16, including 8-1 during the two overtime sessions. Both teams took seven corner kicks while the Raiders committed one more foul in the books. Barbarino and Sale recorded four saves each for their respective teams.
Gannon dropped to 2-6 overall and 1-3 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) with its third consecutive one-goal loss. Shippensburg improved to 4-2-1 overall and 1-1 in conference action. The Golden Knights return to action Wednesday, October 2 against Bloomsburg at Gannon University Field. The Rock is tabbed ninth in the NSCAA Atlantic regional rankings. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.
