PORTSMOUTH – Men's soccer dropped an overtime decision to Asbury Tuesday night in non-conference action, 2-1. The Bears (2-4) outshot the visiting Eagles (2-3) and looked to have momentum on their side when Nick Dowdell tied the game with 10 minutes to play in the regulation. However, a set piece just over two minutes into the first overtime session brought the Bears chances for the come-from-behind victory to a halt.
For the match, SSU held a 13-10 advantage in shots and put nine of those attempts on frame compared to just six shots on goal for Asbury. Nevertheless, quick goals by the Eagles in the first half and first overtime session carried them to the road victory. An integral part of limiting the chances from the Asbury forwards was Ben Pulsford who was named the Portsmouth Pizzeria Man of the Match.
Right out of the gates, Asbury took its possession and used a short corner that went to a cross and finish near the top of the 18 box just 43 seconds into regulation for the quick 1-0. In the fifth minute of play, the Eagles nearly made it 2-0 when a shot from the Eagles got lobbed over the top of Thomas Carbonari but Alex Tulley was in position to record the defensive save and keep the game at a one-goal deficit.
When the Bears began to get their offense going with runs down the field, SSU put five of its six shots on goal in the opening half but still trailed 1-0 heading into the break after being unable to find the equalizer.
The Eagles' Griffin Appel, who came on after an injury to Asbury's starting goalie in the opening half, would also have to make a pair of saves in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Finally, in the 80th minute of play, SSU found its game-tying goal.
Michael Meadows, who came in for the first time a sub in the 72nd minute of play, brought the ball down the right side of the field and he would make the cross to Dowdell who was waiting right at the six-yard line for the volley finish. The goal was Dowdell's second of the season and Meadows first helper since the 2010 season.
After knotting the game at one, Martyn Sayer nearly put the Bears up a goal in the 86th minute of play when he split a couple of defenders and found himself in a one-on-one situation with the goalie but would sent his shot wide to the far side as neither team would have another scoring chance in regulation.
In the overtime session, a Shawnee State foul in the defensive third during the 92nd minute would then set up the game-winning goal for Asbury. Off the set piece, a volley on the scoring end of the set play would find the back of the net and lift the Eagles to a 2-1 victory just 2:08 into the first overtime.
For the game, Joseph Winters and Sayer each took three shots while seven different players each took a single shot at goal for the Bears. In goal, Carbonari made three saves in goal.
Men's soccer will look to get back in the win column Saturday against Cumberland University in a key MSC matchup. That game will get started at 4 p.m.
