SALISBURY, N.C. --- Jack Ragen scored the match-winning goal with 19 seconds remaining in the first overtime period as Catawba defeated visiting Tusculum 2-1 Saturday night at Frock Field in South Atlantic Conference men's soccer action.
Tusculum (8-5-1, 5-3-1 SAC) drops to sixth place in the league standings, but the Pioneers still have two conference matches remaining on their schedule. TC will host arch-rival Carson-Newman on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. before closing out the regular season Friday night at 7 p.m. against Wingate, who clinched a share of the SAC title with a home win over Lenoir-Rhyne.
Ragen's match-winner came from the right side and snuck inside the back post at the 99:41 mark of the match. The goal was assisted by Kenny Bonilla.
Following a scoreless first half, Catawba dented the scoreboard when Belony Joseph one-timed a blast from 12 yards out off a redirect from a Ragen corner kick. Phillip Hollenhorst also assisted on the Catawba goal.
Catawba maintained the 1-0 lead until the 83rd minute when the Indians were whistled for a hand ball in the penalty area. Tyler Linkous buried the ensuing penalty kick for the equalizer at the 82:16 mark of the match and sending the contest into overtime.
Catawba keeper Christian Watts picked up the victory as he surrendered one goal and made six saves. TC net-minder Jorge Alvarez made five saves in going the distance.
The shots were even at 13-13 with Tusculum owning an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks.
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