Chris Kendrick (@CKendrick86)
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Northwood University (Fla.) men's soccer team displayed their talents on a national scale in their home opener, battling second-ranked, and defending NAIA National Champion, Auburn-Montgomery, into double overtime before a late free kick strike sunk the Seahawks at Arrigo-Vecellio Field Friday afternoon.
Each squad had a handful of chances to crack the scoreboard during regulation, but stout defensive play and stellar goalkeeping kept the game scoreless after the opening 60 minutes. A late red card forced the Seahawks to play the final minutes of regulation and the following extra periods down a player. One extra period proved to not be enough as the team's headed to a final 10 minutes of play.
With less than four minutes remaining in the contest, the Seahawks were whistled for a foul outside the box, resulting in a free kick for the Warhawks. On the ensuing attempt, AUM freshman forward Lukas Metzinger fired a low liner across the box and just beyond the reach of Northwood senior goalkeeper Vinnie Cainth (London, England), to send the Warhawks off with the 1-0 victory.
The Seahawks outshot the Warhawks, 15-8, during the contest. Cainth stopped five shots for Northwood, while Auburn-Montgomery sophomore keeper Phillip Hitpass made a game-high eight saves in the win.
The Seahawks dropped to 0-2 on the season, while the Warhawks improved to 3-1 overall. Northwood will return to the pitch in a non-conference match against St. Thomas Tuesday afternoon at Arrigo-Vecellio Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
NORTHWOOD SOCCER
