University of Mount Olive lost a double overtime setback to Limestone College in Conference Carolinas men's soccer Saturday afternoon at Amon Field in Mount Olive, N.C. The match was a tough defensive battle that saw 41 fouls registered during regulation.
Mount Olive (4-9-3 Overall, 2-5-1 Conference Carolinas) had the first scoring opportunity of the match off a header from Cooper Gaypia in the sixth minute, but the Limestone (13-1-0,9-0-0) keeper had the beat on him and was able to make the save.
The second period did see a few more offensive plays by both sides. Limestone's Jorge Salvat in the 83rd minute looked to potentially steal the game away for the Saints as he broke free and hit a rocket shot dead center. The ball carried a bit too much for Salvat as it banged off the crossbar and back into play where it found another Saint foot, however Jared Miller did not allow the Saints to score the late goal as he pounced for the save.
Extra time was needed for the fifth time this season. During the first extra time period the Trojans were putting pressure on the Saints back line and found a hole towards the left side of the box. A hard sliding challenge by a Limestone defender inside the box forced a penalty kick at the 94:42 mark. The Saints keeper was able to prevent a golden goal with a diving save to his right and extra time continued.
Another save by the Trojan keeper with :20 left in the first extra time insured that at least a second set of overtime was needed.
During the second set of extra time the offensive pressure was felt by the Trojans as Limestone pressed forward looking to score early. Salvat for the Saints took an early shot in the 104th minute but the shot was blocked setting up the game-winning shot, 31 seconds later. Salvat was able to flick the ball with his head to Gui Machado who played the ball to an open William Picoux who placed his shot in the upper left 90 and took the golden goal for the Saints.
The loss was the first for the Trojans in overtime to a Conference Carolinas opponent this season. Mount Olive returns to Amon Field for their final home contest Tuesday Oct. 28 against arch rival Barton College when it will be senior day for Cody Suite, Bright Eto, Aaron Norris, Tanner Tolston, and Hyago Matielo. Match time is set for 4:00 p.m.