JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Freshman Felipe DeSousa’s (Vila Velha, Brazil/Wharton HS-FL) second goal of the game in the 105th minute of double-overtime extended the FGCU men’s soccer team’s win streak to three games in dramatic fashion, as the Eagles defeated Jacksonville, 3-2, on Thursday night at the Ashley Sports Complex.

With the Green and Blue trailing 2-1 at the half, DeSousa provided the equalizer less than three minutes into the second half before tallying his third game-winner of the year at the 105:35 mark to help FGCU improve to 2-0-2 in overtime games.

The Eagles’ three-game A-Sun win streak marks the fourth consecutive season they have accomplished the feat, as they now stand at 6-5-2 overall and 3-1-1 in the league action. With the loss, Jacksonville slips to 2-11-1 and 1-4 in the A-Sun.

“I’m very pleased with our second half effort,” said head coach Bob Butehorn. “Our team responded well after going down a goal. We rolled up our sleeves and worked collectively to earn an important road win.”

In nine games played this season, DeSousa has supplied team-highs of 11 points and five goals, highlighted by the aforementioned three game-winners. DeSousa’s goal early in the second half jump started a dominating 45 minutes in which FGCU out-shot JU, 12-2, and completely controlled the pace of play.

Despite the dominating half in which Jacksonville keeper Gavin Carlin was forced to make six saves, the 2-2 score held up through 90 minutes of regulation.

After a fairly quiet first 10 extra minutes, FGCU came out of the kick-off in the second overtime putting major pressure on Jacksonville. That pressure eventually led to a red card on JU defender Henrik Synnes with 103:49 on the clock.

FGCU quickly benefited from the man advantage much like it did against UCF earlier in the year when it scored two goals in six minutes following a red card issued to the Knights. DeSousa, who scored one of the two goals during the edge against UCF, was able to put a good strike on a ball that was volleyed high into the air. His shot beat the keeper to his right, skipping hard off the ground before finding the back of the net and sending the FGCU bench onto the field. Freshman Aaron Guillen (Chihuahua, Mexico/Coronado HS-Texas) was credited with the assist.

The overtime goal wasn’t the Green and Blue’s first lead of the game. Sophomore Henry Penagos (Margate, Fla./American Heritage School of Boca/Delray) made it 1-0 in favor of the Eagles in the 28th minute with his third goal of the season on an assist from senior Andres Navas (Miami, Fla./Sunset Senior HS/FIU).

JU was able to storm back into the game, responding with goals in the 35th and 40th minute en route to taking a 2-1 lead into the break. The Dolphins’ goal in the 35th minute was the first score given up by FGCU in the last 225 minutes of action.

DeSousa’s goal that tied the game at 2-2 was assisted by senior Will Morse (Sugar Land, Texas/Clements HS), who entered the game tied with the freshman in points and goals. Navas’ assist on the opening goal keeps him one ahead of Morse and fellow senior Deion Jones (Tampa, Fla./Freedom HS) for sole possession of third place all-time in the record books with 11 career helpers.

Sophomore keeper Nathan Ingham (Ontario, Canada/Keswick HS) had a busy first half, making three of his five saves in the opening 45 minutes. Ingham was a spectator for much of the second half, but made a big save in the second overtime just before JU’s red card.

FGCU will have eight days away from game action until it returns to SWFL to host A-Sun preseason favorite ETSU on Friday, Oct. 26 in a rematch of last year’s championship game. Slated for a 7 p.m. kick-off, the game will also be Senior Night for FGCU as it will honor its five-member class prior to the game.

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