Written by Chris Pendleton
ASHEVILLE, N.C.—A controversial hand ball called against the Southern Virginia University men's soccer team in the 87th minute of Saturday's game at Warren Wilson allowed the Owls to score on a penalty kick tying the game at one goal apiece.
Neither team was able to score during two ten-minute overtime periods as the game ended in a 1-1 tie.
"That's just how it goes sometimes," said Southern Virginia Head Coach Tony Caputo. "I thought our guys played well and gave us a great chance to win, but sometimes the calls go against you."
After a scoreless first half of play, Southern Virginia sophomore Kyle Tyree (Universal City, Texas) netted the game's first goal on an assist from fellow freshman Gregg Allen (Provo, Utah) at the 59:32 mark.
But as the Knights closed in on third victory of the season, senior captain Chris Teerlink (Waynesboro, Va.) was called for a hand ball giving Warren Wilson a penalty kick 3:10 before the end of regulation.
After Warren Wilson converted its penalty kick, Southern Virginia was unable to score in the final 23 minutes of play despite firing six shots in the two overtime periods and settled for a tie against the Owls.
"It was a tough situation, but I was very proud of the way our scholar-athletes handled themselves in the face of adversity," said Caputo. "This was great learning experience that will improve our mental toughness in the long run."
The Knights (2-2-1) hope for another chance at their third victory on Wednesday, Sept. 14 when they host NCAA Division III Bridgewater College on The Fields at 4 p.m.
