Pikeville, KY – The UPIKE men's soccer program managed their first win in thrilling fashion Sunday afternoon in a double-overtime battle with UT-Southern.
Yuri Rocha and
Favio Govea teamed up for what was the game winning goal.
The Bears played one of their toughest games of the season against the FireHawks in a game that would be decided in 101 minutes. The win is the first for Head Coach
Shaun Schetka and the first MSC victory for the Bears since October 16
th, 2019.
UPIKE struck first early on in the contest on a rocket from
Favio Govea, assisted by
Logan Cales which came in the 10
th minute. The goal is the second of the season for Govea who leads the team along with
Anthony Aguilar.
The Firehawks took the shooting advantage in the opening half, firing eight shots to the Bears 8. UPIKE's defense was resistant though and held UTS scoreless until the 33
rd minute where they tied the game at 1.
Jalen Smith was once again a stronghold for the Bears in goal, finishing with 13 saves.
The second period was a battle for momentum as both teams fought to take the advantage, UT-Southern took 10 shots but the Bears defense answered the call and held the Firehawks scoreless for 45 minutes. UPIKE managed four shots as well but after 90 minutes played, the game was to be decided in overtime.
The first overtime saw three close calls for the Bears as UT-Southern squared up a trio of solid headers. For 10 minutes the possession was primarily controlled by the FireHawks but the Bears were able to get one shot on goal by way of
Luis Gayoso which was saved by the keeper.
In the final OT it took the Bears less than three minutes to seal the deal. A foul on the FireHawks gave the Bears a free kick opportunity just outside the box in their attacking end.
Javier Pozas legged a great ball on center which was headed by Govea followed by a diving effort from Rocha who sunk the final goal.
Overall the Bears tallied nine shots with six going on goal while the FireHawks finished with 22 shots.
UPIKE men's soccer returns to action on Tuesday, October 12
th as they take on University of the Cumberlands.
