Men's Soccer Gets Thrilling Comeback Win Over Colorado College

Men's Soccer Gets Thrilling Comeback Win Over Colorado College

GEORGETOWN, Texas — Finding himself in open space with the ball along the left side, junior forward Kip Karschnik gave a sharp cut against the grain towards the middle of the field, clearing a lane to deliver the game-winning goal for the Southwestern University Pirates men's soccer team in a 3-2 overtime victory over the Colorado College Tigers. 

The goal capped off a thrilling comeback for the Pirates in a game that featured a prolonged stoppage for a major injury, several yellow cards, and wild swings of momentum. 

Colorado College dictated the action through most of the first half, striking first on a goal by Robert Malone on a beautifully threaded pass from Henry Schuler. Less than two minutes later, Alexander Makic found Jackson Silverstein on a cross for a header and a 2-0 lead. 

The Tigers got six corner kicks in the first half and maintained possession for a good portion of it, though the Pirates were able to capitalize on their opportunities with eight shot attempts to Colorado College's six. 

After failing to capitalize on several opportunities in Friday's 1-0 loss to Johnson & Wales University, the Pirates made the most of their opportunities in the second half against Colorado College. Almost 10 minutes into the second half, Karschnik jumped a passing lane in the middle of the field to create a turnover, breaking free along the left side, drawing the goalie's attention, and dumping a pass off to Alex Newell in front of the net for an uncontested goal. 

The goal seemed to energize the Pirates, imbuing each attack, cut, or defensive play with energy; extending their pressure to earn several throw-ins for set piece opportunities around the net. 

Colorado College suffered a major injury, stopping play for a prolonged period of time. When action resumed, both teams seemed to revert back to the early stages of the match, feeling each other out until the Tigers' Griffin Wesley leveled a Southwestern player near Colorado College's goal, picking up his second card of the match and an ejection. 

Playing with an advantage, the Pirates tied the game at the 79:03 mark, getting a connection for Alex Newell and Andrew Hernandez to Jake Swonke on one-touch passes to tie the match. 

Southwestern also got a huge save from goalie Alan Carr late in the second half when Colorado's Robert Malone sent a booming kick Carr was able to deflect off the left post before covering up the ball and clearing it—sending the game into overtime where the Pirates scored on the first shot attempt. 

With the win, Southwestern improves to 9-4-1 on the season and 7-3-1 in conference play. The Pirates will resume action on Friday, Oct. 19 for a road match against Austin College at 6:00 p.m.