Warner Men’s Soccer Downs 2008 National Champions and No. 13 Bethel University 2-1 in Overtime
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Warner University men’s soccer team notched its first comeback victory on the season, defeating No. 13 Bethel University (Tenn.) 2-1 in overtime on neutral territory in Daytona Beach, Fla. With the win, the Royals improve to 4-1 on the season while Bethel falls to 2-2-1.
For over 82 minutes, Warner and Bethel were locked in a stalemate, with both teams making unsuccessful runs into their opponent’s territory.
After being held to only three shots in the first half, Bethel went on a shooting frenzy in the second half, taking 13 shots in the period, eventually connecting on one in the 83rd minute, Joseph Omondi scored on an unassisted goal to give the 2008 National Champions a late 1-0 lead.
With time on the Wildcats side, the Royals refused to give up and in the 88th minute, Warner got its equalizer as Bryson Francois scored his seventh career goal to draw even with Bethel and force overtime, courtesy of an assist from freshman Diego de la Fuente.
Ten minutes into overtime, Francois proved clutch yet again, completing the dramatic comeback by scoring the game winning goal in the 100th minute on an assist from Miguel Benito. Francois now leads the team with three goals for the season.
Despite the Wildcats 13 shot-second half, Warner led in the shots category, 19-17. It was a physical affair as the two teams combined for 36 fouls, 10 yellow cards and one red card.
Jonathan Romero played the entire 99:28 in goal and finished with three saves.
Warner returns to action on Friday, Sept 17 when it heads to Thomasville, Ga. for the Thomas University Tournament. The Royals will take on Thomas at 4:30 p.m.