GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay men's soccer team pulled off an epic last-minute win Thursday afternoon at Aldo Santaga Stadium. Tommy Coughlin's 90th minute score thanks to an assist from freshman Aidan Fong made the difference in a 3-2 victory over Southern Indiana. It also marked the first career win for first-year Head Coach John O'Reilly.
Green Bay improved to 1-2-0 overall after the win, while USI dropped to 0-3-0.
HOW IT HAPPENED
GB didn't start on the right foot, surrendering a goal to the Screaming Eagles in the 5th minute. Ahiro Nakamae, who was responsible for USI's only goal scored in the team's first two games, was able to find the back of the net on an assist from Jackson Mitchell. The Phoenix swiftly responded, attacking fast off the kickoff. Kazuki Okazaki connected with Oscar Bjornskov, who passed it to Andrew Paolucci before No. 7 buried it, tying the game at one in the 7th minute. The Green and White would soon take a 2-1 on an own goal by USI, giving GB the advantage in the 8th minute. Paolucci continued to pounce, forcing three more saves later in the half. After an offsides call on Green Bay, Southern Indiana was able to move the ball well before Nakamae scored again, this time unassisted. Each team tallied seven shots in the first half and subsequently went into the break even at two goals apiece.
Green Bay looked to be even more aggressive in the second half and was able to rattle off three shots within the first 10 minutes.
Luke Nicholson nearly found the back of the net in the 48
th minute but his shot was defended by USI's goalkeeper, Andrew Klott. Both squads kept trading shot-for-shot as the second frame went on. In the 74
th minute,
Kolton Prater was subbed out for
Myles Sophanavong, who immediately blasted a shot that missed high and wide left. GB had three chances in the final five minutes, firstly from Fong, but he missed a few feet wide to the left of the woodwork. Paolucci came close to scoring again but couldn't convert. On their last breath, Fong danced along the sideline before lofting a pass inside the box, where he found Coughlin who kicked it past a diving Klott for a last-second dagger.
GAME NOTES
- Paolucci totaled six shots (four on goal) to lead all players.
- Southern Indiana managed just one shot in the second half.
- Green Bay had six corner kicks to the Screaming Eagles' one.
- A yellow card was given to GB's Kolton Prater and USI's Gavin English.
COMING UP
Green Bay will have a somewhat quick turnaround to prepare for the Northern Illinois Huskies, as they battle NIU this Sunday. Fans can watch the game for free on NIU All-Access and follow with live stats. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM central time.
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