NORTH MIAMI, Fla.- The Ave Maria University men's soccer team fell in overtime on Wednesday afternoon, losing 2-1 to the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales University. The match was the third defeat in extra time for the Gyrenes in the last five matches, all of which came against conference opponents on the road.
Neither team was able to find the net in what was the defensive-minded first half. Only seven shots were taken between the two teams, with only one - from AMU's Kensley Jean-Baptiste - challeged the opposing goalkeeper. Johnson & Wales did have six corner kick opportunities, but were turned away each time.
Ave Maria took the lead in the 62nd minute, following a yellow card from Johnson & Wales, one of six cards given out between the teams. After the foul, Jean Baptiste was given a penalty kick opportunity, and converted from the spot to give AMU a 1-0 lead. The goal was the sixth of the season for the junior, which leads the roster.
Johnson & Wales proceeded to even the match in the 74th minute, which eventually sent the contest to overtime. Fernando Arzeno scored his second goal of the season, with assists provided by Pablo Azzaro and Luciano Soto. Neither team scored in the final 15 minutes of regulation, forcing extra time in North Miami.
Just over ninety seconds into the first extra time period, the Wildcats came up with the game-winner. Following a foul by the Gyrenes, Arzeno buried a penalty kick to end the match in the 92nd minute, giving the Wildcats their second conference win of the season.
The Wildcats outshot Ave Maria 18-6 in the match, but only six of those 24 total shots were on goal. Arzeno attempted eight shots, and put another shot on goal to go with his two goals. Four of Ave Maria's six shots were taken by Jean Baptiste, with the other two provided by Nelson Libbert and Ulises Soto. Jean Baptiste also accounted for both of AMU's shots on goal.
AMU returns to the field in one week for a home conference match against the Warriors of Webber International University. The kickoff of The Sun Conference affair is set for 7:00 p.m. at Gyrene Field.
