Last Minute Goal Sinks Men's Soccer in Overtime Thriller

WILSON, N.C.- The Coker College men's soccer team fell 2-1 in overtime in their non-conference matchup on the road at Barton on Saturday (Sept. 1).

The Navy and Gold saw numerous early chances saved early in the first half and found themselves down after a 28th minute goal from Barton.The second half proved to be much more productive for the Cobras and saw an excellent opportunity soar wide as Matt Trimby was unable to direct his header into the back of the net. In the 74th minute, Riccardo Ricci just missed getting on the end of a dangerous Christian Provenzano ball across the box and just minutes later came close again off of an Attiyyah Shakir throw in. The Cobras were able to equalize it in the 85th minute as Jacob Simonis headed a loose ball home, marking the first goal of the season. Trimby had another look at goal off of a set-piece, this time hitting the woodwork and bouncing away.

Coker looked the more dangerous side for much of the first overtime period and Trimby had yet another dangerous header saved in the final minute of the period. The match looked to be heading for a draw until the Bulldogs netted the game-winner with just 45 seconds to play in the second overtime period.

Ricci led the attack for the Cobras with five shots, while Trimby and Provenzano had four of their own. Joao Silva fired off three shots as did the goal-scorer Simonis. Zach Watson made six saves in goal.

The Cobras will be back in action on Wednesday (Sept. 5) as they take on Belmont Abbey in the home opener at the Coker Athletic Field starting at 7 p.m.