Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcons Take Gaels to Double Overtime in 1-1 Tie
September 08, 2006 | Men's Soccer
Sept. 8, 2006
MORAGA, CA - After more than an hour of scoreless play, St. Mary's (CA) (1-2-2) Carlos Diaz broke the ice with a score from 40-yards out on a free kick against the Falcon (1-3-1) defense. BGSU fought back in the offensive attack and sent the match into overtime as freshman Ahmad Smith blasted a one-touch goal past the Gael defense from 23-yards out with less than two minutes in regulation match play at the opening day of the St. Mary's (CA) Classic Tournament.
Red-shirt sophomore Brent Petkus made three saves in the two following overtimes to secure the draw. Petkus finished with eight saves in 110:00 minutes in his first start of the season.
"Brent was there to save us when we lost focus and came up with a few big plays," said coach Fred Thompson. "One shot in overtime was an absolute bomb and while Brent's save looked great, it was absolutely necessary that he make it."
Bowling Green's eight shots were severely out numbered by the Gael's 22 offensive chances. SMC created the advantage with seven players on the field who stood at over six-feet tall.
"They [SMC] used the advantage of the wind in every set piece. They were able to put the ball high into play and just hoped for one of the bigger players to take control," said Thompson.
The head coach also noted the physical play of the Gaels.
A total of seven yellow cards were issued in the match with BGSU taking home three. Additionally, Ahmad Smith also earned an ejection on a red card penalty in the 90th minute. SMC's Corey Heldreth earned a yellow card on the same play.
"Overall I will take the tie today. We were not only playing against a very physically dominate opponent, but the wind was fierce and made for interesting playing conditions," said Thompson. "This match was not for the faint hearted."
BGSU will remain in Moraga for another match on Sunday afternoon against the Hornets of Sacramento State University. The match is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Pacific (3:30 p.m. Eastern time).
