Cobain's goal gives Tornado 2-1 win at BC
WILSON, N.C. – On the road as Barton College's homecoming opponent, the King University men's soccer team looked to be destined for overtime against the homestanding Bulldogs Saturday afternoon. But midfielder Ryan Cobain gave the Tornado the lead with an 84th minute strike, and King's defense turned away a flurry of Barton shots in the final minutes as the Tornado held on for the 2-1 victory.
With the score tied 1-1, Joseph Akinoso dribbled the ball on the right wing before turning and playing a ball into the box for Cobain. Cobain collected the pass and sent a shot past the goalkeeper for his fourth goal of the season and second game-winner in as many games.
In the game's final minutes, the Bulldogs (7-7-1, 5-3 Conference Carolinas) furiously searched for the equalizer. Barton fired four shots in the last five minutes, seeing one sail high, one saved by goalkeeper Kari Sveinsson, and two blocked by Tornado defenders.
"I'm delighted for the guys," said head coach John Miglarese. "We have been in so many close games this year. It is great to get this one. We had a great second half, and that's what won the game for us."
The Tornado (3-9-2, 3-4) netted an early goal off the feet of Akinoso in just the third minute of the game. The goal-scoring sequence began with a corner kick from Joshua Feener. The ball was played into the box, and Eli Carrasco found Akinoso open for his second goal this week after scoring for the first time this season against North Greenville University on Tuesday.
Midway through the first half, the Bulldogs were able to get on the board. A whistle in the box in the 26th minute led to a penalty kick opportunity for Barton. Dante De Luca buried the shot, and the Bulldogs tied the match at 1-1.
King was outshot 24-9, but Sveinsson's play in net was the difference in the contest. The Tornado stopper made eight saves, while only one Tornado shot was saved.
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