'Eaters Fall from Aggie-nizing Overtime Goal
October 19, 2011 | Men's Soccer
IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine scored early, but were unable to hold the lead as UC Davis scored in overtime for the 2-1 win Wednesday night at Anteater Stadium.
The Anteaters (12-4-0, 4-2-0) were on their game early. They had a couple early chances that were thwarted by Aggie keeper, Omar Zeenni. Both sides played some very good soccer in the first half in a tightly-contested affair.
Lester Hayes III (Alexandria, Va. / DeMatha Catholic HS), who had just entered the game, took advantage of a defensive lapse. Tarek Morad (Chino Hills / Mt. San Antonio College) won a high ball and headed it ahead. Christian Hernandez (Palmdale / Taft College) flicked it ahead, and Hayes had a beat on it and shot past the defense. He beared down on the goal while tussling with a defender, but was able to knock it in for the early lead in the 28th minute.
Both schools continued to attack, and both keepers continue to flash their skills. Andrew Fontein (Las Vegas, Nev. / Sierra Vista HS) just got a hand on one shot to tip it wide and keep the lead, 1-0, at the half.
UC Davis (6-6-2, 4-2-0) took over the momentum in the second half as it made runs just coming up short a few times.
They would catch a break, though, in the 60th minute. Alex Aguiar settled the ball and served it into the box. Kevin Schulte got a head on it as it bounced inside the far post to tie it up.
Both sides had chances through the remainder of regulation. Christopher Santana (Bishop / Bishop Union HS) corralled a free ball and got two good shots off, unfortunately they were both blocked. Matt Wiesenfarth got the behind the defense a couple times, but was unable to get a good shot off either time.
As overtime began, the Aggies seemed to still have the momentum as they continued to pressure the net.
UCI reversed it and had a brilliant opportunity with Hernandez at the top of the box, but he powered a shot just a few feet high.
UC Davis connected on their next opportunity as John Joslin and Kevin Schulte played the ball between each other. Schulte got a boot on it and sent it inside the far post for his second of the match and the game-winner.
This match ties the two squads at the top of the Big West with matching 4-2-0 records in conference.
Hayes' goal was his fourth of the season, fourth-best on the squad, and nine points overall.
Assists from Hernandez and Morad were their seventh and second, respectively. Hernandez's assist gives him the team lead in assists and also in points with 19. Morad's point total stands at two.
Fontein finished with six saves, three in each half. He now has 58 on the season.
The seventh-ranked Anteaters are back on the pitch Saturday night against Cal State Fullerton. The teams will play at 7:00 p.m. at Anteater Stadium.
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