Box Score MACOMB, Ill. – Sophomore Steven Enna (Overland Park, Kan.) scored a golden goal with less than two minutes remaining in the first overtime session to lift the Drake men's soccer team past Western Illinois, 1-0, Tuesday night, in a non-conference clash at John MacKenzie Field.
With neither team able to generate much offensively the game was scoreless through regulation. However, Drake (9-3) was able to break through when Western Illinois (4-8-1) goalie Bruce Corrie mishandled a corner kick by freshman Nic Jaimes (Olathe, Kan.) as Enna gathered the mishandled ball and punched it in the net for his third goal of the season. Enna's goal came at the 98:36 mark in the first overtime.
“Tonight was a very gritty performance and required a full squad effort,” said interim head coach Gareth Smith. “This third game on the road, after a very long trip to UCA required us to dig deep to get the result. We showed great mental toughness and the ambition to win the game when the game got tough. The depth of our squad was rested today and each of them stepped up to the plate and performed exceptionally well.”
The Bulldogs' defense contained the Leathernecks attack as the home team finished with just seven shots, including two on goal. Drake junior goalie Darrin MacLeod (Waterloo, Ontario) posted his second straight shutout and his fourth of the season. MacLeod finished with two saves. Drake had 11 shots in the game with Enna and James each recording two.
Drake has a week off before its next match as the Bulldogs return to Cownie Soccer Complex on Oct. 20 to take on the Omaha in their final non-conference match of the season. First kick against the Mavericks is scheduled for 7 p.m.
“The fall break comes at a good time as our guys have left everything on the field and we need a little time to regroup and refresh as we prepare for Omaha,” Smith said.
