(Story courtesy of Colorado College Athletics Communications)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Colorado College men's soccer team battled to force overtime against Claremont Mudd-Scripps in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers fell short 2-1 after the Staggs scored in the second half of overtime in the 107th minute.
CMS struck first in the 16th minute to take the 1-0 after James Gomez stole the ball from the CC defense inside the box. Gomez had a one-on-one and found the back of the net.
"This game was worth of a Round of 32 games. Both teams played really well," head coach Scott Palguta said. "We didn't get off to the greatest start and said at halftime that we had an okay first half. I made a mistake; it happens in sports. At halftime, I told the guys not to let the score determine how they feel right now."
Down by a goal, CC went on the offensive and outshot CMS 24-11, including 24-8 in regulation.
Oliver Ramirez led the Tigers with four shots, two on goal and a goal. The Fort Collins native was able to tie up the match in the 84th minute after Jack Hilliard launched a corner kick into the box. Alexander Ward headed the kick from Hilliard to Ramirez, who slipped it past the CMS defense with six minutes remaining.
The Tigers dished out 18 shots in the second half to help force overtime. It was CC's fourth overtime game in the last two NCAA Tournaments.
"The guys were great in the second half," Palguta said. "They pushed and pushed, and it always felt like the equalizing goal was coming. It was just a question of when."
CC nearly scored the game-winning goal in the 86th minute when Zeke Lubin aimed a dart at the net after receiving an excellent pass inside the box. Consequently, CMS made the save and kept the match tied.
Lubin and Dylan Stapley each had three shots (on goal).
Ward also put up four shots, including two on and net, and was credited with the assist in Ramirez's goal.
In overtime, the Staggs recorded two shots in the first half and the lone shot in the second after both teams got decent looks on the net; however, CMS's offense broke through on the quick one, and Gomez sealed the win for the Staggs.
"We said at the beginning of the season, 'How do you define success?'" Palguta said. "It can't just be about wins and losses. We've always told the guys that they are successful if they show up every day and are accountable to themselves and their teammates. Losing the game today doesn't change any of that. They are a resounding success." '
CC's season ends with a 16-3-3 record, the most wins since 2004. The Tigers have lost only three matches in the last three years, the longest streak of three or fewer losses in a season since 1967.
