Two Late Goals Sink Men's Soccer
Grand View University netted two goals in the final five minutes of regulation to overcome a 1-0 halftime deficit and defeat the Culver-Stockton College men's soccer team 2-1 in the regular season finale Saturday afternoon at NX Level Field.
The loss drops the Wildcats to 8-9-1 overall and 4-5-1 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. More importantly, the loss likely drops the Wildcats to a seventh seed in the upcoming Heart postseason tournament, matching them up with fifth-ranked Missouri Valley. The officials pairing will be released Sunday.
The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the final 12 seconds of the first half when Santiago Dirrocco drilled a free kick toward the Viking goal. Grand View goalkeeper Gabriel Chilas made the initial save; however, the ball slipped through his fingers. By the time he corralled it, the ball was over the line for Dirrocco's first goal of the year.
C-SC nearly made it 2-0 midway through the second half as Dirrocco drilled a shot that Chilas made the save but gave up the rebound. Dominic Caruso pounced on the rebound by Chilas saved that shot before a third rebound shot by Caruso sailed over the crossbar.
Grand View tied the game in the 86th minute when Irelan Danton fought for a loose ball with several Wildcat defenders in the penalty area before settling and beating C-SC goalkeeper Robert Jones for the tying goal.
In the final minute of regulation, the Vikings broke out after a Wildcat run and Danton was taken down in the penalty area. A penalty kick was awarded and Danton buried it to give the Vikings the victory with 19 seconds remaining in the game.