Men's Soccer

November 2, 2007

Trinity Survives Scare With Overtime Win

San Antonio - Trinity's top-ranked men's soccer team survived a scare from an energized Southwestern team on Friday night, pulling off a 2-1 overtime victory.

Trinity (18-0-0, 10-0-0) and Southwestern were locked in a scoreless tie through the first half, but the home team drew a penalty kick in the 62nd minute for the chance to get on the board.

Kyle Altman, NSCAA All-American and team captain, buried the PK in the back of the net, giving Trinity a 1-0 lead in the game.  Trinity held just a 7-4 edge in shots in the first period, but improved to a 12-1 advantage in the second.

All the shots for Trinity, though, did not result in a much-needed insurance goal.  Southwestern, with their backs against the wall and time slipping away in the season finale, made their one shot of the second half count in a big way, scoring with just under five minutes remaining in the game.

In overtime, Southwestern nearly scored the golden goal with a couple of minutes remaining, but David Lozano - who scored the equalizer in the second - was unable to get a touch on a dangerous cross in front of Tiger GK David Steinberg.

With the first overtime period closing, Trinity increased the tempo even more, looking for the elusive game-winner.  With 31 seconds left, after a foul call on Southwestern near the box, the visitors received a yellow card for kicking the ball away after it was set, stopping the clock. 

That stoppage allowed Trinity to take its time and set up a scoring threat.  Ben Stewart sent a ball into the box, but it was knocked out by the defense.  Stewart found the ball again, and slipped it back in to Robert C'deBaca.  C'deBaca beat the defender to the ball, then slipped it past the keeper for the game-winner with just 21 seconds to play.

Trinity, which clinched the SCAC title last week, will await until Sunday for official invitation to the NCAA playoffs.  The bracket will not be available until Monday.