FARMVILLE, Va. – Freshman Ben Ferrell/Fairfax Station recorded his first career goal in the 82nd minute of play to force extra time, as the Longwood University men’s soccer team and visiting Belmont University (4-3-2) clashed in a 1-1, double-overtime draw. Sophomore Zach Crandall/Lorton added to the Lancers (1-4-3) offensive attack with an assist on Ferrell’s goal, along with a game-high six shots in the outing. Longwood is slated to square off against Big South Conference opponent UNC Asheville on Saturday, October 5 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Athletics Complex.

“When you go a goal down and chase the game, it is gratifying to get a result,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “We competed well tonight and while we had some solid performances from our regulars, I was particularly happy with freshman starts by Michael Margulis and Vaughn Fowler at the back, and with Nnamdi Ikeazor particularly lively up top. The game was a hard-fought encounter with no quarter asked or given, and that sometimes kept the chances to a premium in the first half, but after we conceded a sloppy one early in the second half, this spurred us on to have the better of the game. We could find ourselves unfortunate to not have taken it with great looks from Crandall, Lambert, Ferrell and Keilty right at the end. Fair play to Belmont, who was a very stubborn opponent, well coached and eager to make a game of it.”

Longwood was quick to attack, registering its first chance of the evening less than two minutes into play. Junior Anthony Ugorji/Washington, D.C. wound up from left corner, and after his attempt was blocked, Crandall scooped up the rebound, but his turn-around shot skidded just barely wide left. Belmont’s Joonas Bask followed with a header off a throw-in that was saved by freshman keeper Carlos Canas/Manassas. The Lancers outshot the Bruins, 5-2, during the remainder of the half, paced by freshman Michael Margulis/Ashburn with a pair of chances, but neither side was able to find the back of the net to maintain the scoreless tie at halftime.

Belmont did not waste any time regaining the momentum early in the second half, breaking the game open in the 46th minute after a cross from the right side by Raphael Colmanette set up a header by Alfred Edmonds for the score. The Lancers, who outshot the Bruins, 9-5, in the second half, came close to knotting the score on several occasions in the next 30+ minutes. Senior Patrick McDaniel/Midlothian got his head on a high cross, but his attempt sailed wide. The Lancers played solid defense through four throw-ins near their own net for the Bruins to keep the one-goal margin intact. Crandall fired a shot from 25 yards out that flew high before Longwood had back-to-back corner kick opportunities. The game-changing goal came with just over eight minutes remaining in regulation when freshman Nnamdi Ikeazor/Lagos, Nigeria crossed to Crandall, who dished to Ferrell for the one-timer on net, tying the match at 1-1. Belmont tried to retaliate quickly with a high shot, but Canas tipped the attempt away to send the game into overtime.

“It was exciting to score my first goal,” said Ferrell. “I had a good amount of shots and chances that could have gone in, but now that I’ve finally broken through, hopefully I’ll have more to come. Nnamdi did some great work down the line and he played to Crandall, who was really unselfish and flicked to me for an easy tap in.”

Both sides registered two shots apiece in the first overtime. Longwood had a fast break allowing Ferrell to launch another hard shot, but it was blocked. On the same possession, Crandall took a chance from 20 yards out that went wide to force a second overtime. Belmont’s AJ Arnold recorded the first shot of the period and sophomore Christian Keilty/Spotsylvania took a chance for Longwood with just seconds left, but neither attempt was successful, sealing the 1-1 draw.

Wednesday’s match marked just the second meeting ever between Longwood and Belmont in the sport of men’s soccer. The series remains tied at 0-0-2.
 

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