HARROGATE, Tenn. --- Hunter Oubre scored 2:35 into the second overtime period to give Lincoln Memorial University a 2-1 win over Tusculum University in South Atlantic Conference men's soccer action Monday afternoon.
The Railsplitters (2-2-0, 2-2-0 SAC) conceded the tying goal to the Pioneers' Marcos Franco with five minutes left in the second half, but scored on their only shot on goal in overtime. Tusculum (1-2-1, 0-2-1 SAC), which was playing its second double-overtime match in three days following a 1-1 draw at Mars Hill on Saturday, outshot Lincoln Memorial 15-10 for the match, and had a 6-3 edge in shots on goal.
The only shot on goal in the first half for either team resulted in the only goal of the half, as Shanden Vergara received a pass from Will Tidwell, got behind the defense and went far side for his first goal of the season at 32:18. Tusculum outshot Lincoln Memorial 3-2 in the opening half, but all three of its attempts were off target.
Tusculum earned its first shot on goal in the 58th minute, as a blast from the right wing by Jean-Pierre Vital was pulled in by Lincoln Memorial keeper Robin Herrmann on its way to the far post. In the 66th minute, Vergara nearly cashed in on a free kick but his shot was tipped over the crossbar by Pioneer keeper Joao Kozlowski.
Both teams went a man down following a round of physical play in the 69th minute, and the Railsplitters kept the pressure on the Pioneer end without success. Tusculum finally found the equalizer with exactly five minutes remaining as a cross from Damien Baltide was headed home by Franco for his first goal of the season. Tusculum threatened to go ahead following the tying goal, but Pedro Concheso shot just wide with 3 1/2 minutes left and the teams headed to overtime.
Vital nearly had the winner in the first two minutes of overtime, but his shot from center was collected by Herrmann. The Railsplitters' Will Arrowood threatened midway through the first extra session, but his attempt missed the far post. Franco had two tries for the game-winner late in the first overtime, but shot wide on the first and headed a corner kick to Herrmann on the second.
Just 2 1/2 minutes into the second overtime, Oubre delivered the game-winner as he collected a loose ball about 25 yards out and beat Kozlowski to the far side to give the Railsplitters their first win in the last eight overtime games against the Pioneers. Tusculum had gone 2-0-5 against LMU in overtime since a 4-3 loss in 1994.
Kozlowski's save on the free kick by Vergara in the 66th minute was his only save of the match, while Herrmann had five saves for Lincoln Memorial. The Railsplitters were whistled for 15 fouls to 12 by the Pioneers, while Tusculum was issued four cards and Lincoln Memorial was booked three times.
Tusculum will face Carson-Newman in each of its next two matches, playing away on Thursday at 5 p.m. before hosting the return leg next Monday, March 29 at 5 p.m.
