Tigers Fall In Double Overtime To Allegheny

Austin Lewis and the Tigers were victimized by an overtime goal in a 2-1 loss to Allegheny. File Photo | Nick Falzerano
Austin Lewis and the Tigers were victimized by an overtime goal in a 2-1 loss to Allegheny. File Photo | Nick Falzerano

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers had the upper hand for a short time in the second half against Allegheny, but the Gators spoiled Homecoming at Edwards-Maurer Field with a 2-1 double overtime victory.

Wittenberg fell to 3-7-2 overall and 0-2-0 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC), heading into a week off before a road trip to Ohio Wesleyan on Oct. 10. Allegheny improved to 2-6-2 overall and 1-0-1 in the NCAC.

The game was played in unseasonably cold temperatures and intermittent rain, and the two teams battled to a scoreless draw through the first 45 minutes. Most of the game was played in the midfield as both teams struggled to maintain possession to build attacks.

Wittenberg broke through first in the 60th minute as freshman Robbie Russell (New Carlisle, Ohio/Tecumseh) pounded home a shot from the top of the penalty area. The chance was created after freshman Alberto Zaragoza (New Carlisle, Ohio/Tecumseh) took a shot from close range that was saved, but only parried away as far as Russell.

Allegheny tied the game less than eight minutes later, and the two teams battled to the end of regulation and through the first 10-minute overtime session. It took just 2:35 into the second extra frame, however, for the Gators to pull out the victory as Izaak Miller put home a header off a cross from Scott Powell.

Allegheny held a narrow 15-12 advantage in shots, in addition to a 7-2 edge in corner kick opportunities. In goal, Wittenberg freshman Jack Snider (Beavercreek, Ohio/Beavercreek) finished with four saves.

Offensively, Zaragoza led the Tigers with three shots, followed by freshman Austin Lewis (New Carlisle, Ohio/Tecumseh), sophomore Teddy Price (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral) and Russell.

Written By: Ryan Maurer