DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - Junior Jamie Henderson's (Lincolnshire, England) first half goal looked to stand until the 87th minute but it wasn't enough as the Bellevue University men's soccer team dropped a heart-breaker to Vanguard University, 2-1 in double overtime, in the NAIA National Tournament Second Round match-up on Monday afternoon.
Juan Arellano scored a goal after collecting the rebound from a Jesus Fregoso shot that deflected off the post with 5:37 to play in the second overtime period. The Lions owned much of the possession in extra time and after mounting pressure Fregoso came free into the 18-yard box and delivered a hard shot that caromed off the far post but came to the feet of Arellano. Arellano settled and put the game-winner.
Vanguard (14-6-2) trailed throughout most of the match despite holding an 17-10 advantage in shots (and 6-5 in shots on goal) but they came through to tie things up in one of the more unusual ways. The Lions earned a free kick with just under four minutes to play in the second half and the goalkeeper Brandon Gomez delivered the set piece through the crowded box past Bellevue keeper Scott Robertson (Burnley, England) and into the back of the net to pull level at 1-1 with just 3:57 to play.
The Bruins (15-3-2) opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Henderson collected a free ball in the box and found himself virtually alone about 14 yards from goal. He shot to the far side and rippled the back of the net for the 1-0 advantage in the opening 45 minutes.
Robertson made what looked to be a match-saving save in the 80th minute. Fregoso was on the receiving end of a cross into the box and he threw a hard header on goal but Robertson, at full extension, made the diving save to force a corner kick.
With the match tied Bellevue had chances in each overtime period. The Bruins earned a corner kick in the opening minute of the first overtime and with under two minutes to play in the first extra stanza senior Manuel Lira (Guadalajara, Mexico) found himself with possession in the box but was unable to gain full control of the ball and thus unable to get off a shot. Things looked bright in the second overtime as senior Kristopher McFadyen (Glasgow, Scotland) worked his way towards goal and got a shot off but the shot appeared to be partially deflected and rather harmlessly found its way into Gomez's arms.
Bellevue was dealt a tough blow just before half-time when junior first team all-MCAC pick Alan Carr (Lincolnshire, England) went down with an injury. He played out the remainder of the half and gave it a go to open the second half but had to be substituted out.
Robertson and Gomez each finished the match with four saves in goal. Bellevue held a 7-4 edge in corner kicks for the match.
Vanguard will next play on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at when they take on the University of Northwestern Ohio in the NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinals. Northwestern Ohio advanced on penalties following 1-1 double-overtime draw with Missouri Valley College earlier Monday to advance.
Additional Game Notes:
- Bellevue is now 0-2-0 all-time at the NAIA National Tournament Final Site
- Today's match ties the furthest that Bellevue has advanced in the NAIA National Tournament
- The 15 wins this season by Bellevue are tied for the second most in program history (16 - 2005)
