OBERLIN, Ohio – Senior goalkeeper
Jake Pugliese of the Allegheny College men's soccer team made a career-high 15 saves, but the Gators dropped a 2-1 double-overtime heartbreaker to Oberlin College in North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) action this evening.
Pugliese's 15 saves shattered his previous career high of nine, set almost exactly one year ago today on Oct. 18, 2014 against Ohio Wesleyan. The keeper from the Nickel City almost tied that mark in the first half with eight saves, before stopping four, one, and two shots in the ensuing regulation and overtime frames.
Allegheny (4-8-2, 3-2-1 NCAC) has dropped two consecutive matches for the first time in a month, but still sit fourth in the conference with 10 points. The Gators are currently one point ahead of Oberlin (9-5-1, 3-3-0 NCAC) for the final spot in the NCAC Tournament.
The Yeomen struck first in the 24th minute when John Ingham scored his 13th goal of the season with a chip over Pugliese. Slade Gottlieb set Ingham up with a pass over the middle to earn the assist.
It took Allegheny 36 minutes to respond as junior defender
Aaron Donahoe tallied his team-leading fourth goal of the year. Donahoe created some space in the box before rifling a shot with his left foot that deflected off the crossbar and behind Oberlin goalkeeper Koryn Kraemer.
The hosts dominated the remaining 30 minutes in the half, outshooting the Gators, 7-0. Three were on target, but Pugliese was there every time to keep the match tied.
Oberlin would create the only chance in the first overtime when Sam Weiss fired an attempt in the 94th minute. However, Pugliese was there once again with a brilliant save.
The Yeomen came out firing to begin the second overtime, forcing two saves from Pugliese within 25 seconds of each other. Their third attempt proved to be the difference however, as Nick Wertman buried a shot off a cross to win it for Oberlin.
Allegheny generated the same amount of corner kick opportunities (6) as the Yeomen, but the hosts outshot the Gators, 32-9.
Allegheny returns home this weekend for a crucial NCAC tilt with No. 7 Kenyon. The Gators face the Lords at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24.
