Men's Soccer Trumps James Madison in Double Overtime, 2-1

Wednesday, October 15

Vidas Field

7:00 p.m.

Drexel University

5-6-3, 1-2-1

James Madison

5-5-3, 1-1-1

OT 3

OT 4

James Madison

Drexel

Photo by: Greg Carroccio

Men's Soccer Trumps James Madison in Double Overtime, 2-1

10/15/2014 10:03:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Searching for their first conference victory of the season, the Drexel men's soccer team had to wait a little longer on Wednesday night as the Dragons' game with James Madison featured a lightning delay of over 40 minutes. For Drexel, however, it was worth the wait as the Dragons netted the game-winner just over three hours after the game's start time when Erik Alexandersson finished off a touch pass from Adam Arana in the box 15 yards out in the game's 101st minute to give them a 2-1 victory. It put the finishing touches on the Dragons' first come-from-behind victory of the season as they got their first win in Colonial Athletic Association play.

Alexandersson's goal was the freshman's first with the Dragons. It was only a matter of time, however, as he got off another header shot that narrowly missed providing the go-ahead goal as it nicked off the crossbar and over. That shot followed an equalizing score headed in by Arana, who had his first multi-point game of his career. He, too, broke a scoring drought with his goal, his first collegiate goal and first points of the season.

The Dragons and Dukes played just over 11 minutes in rainy but comfortable conditions before lightning was spotted in the area and forced a stoppage of play. Unlike the Dragons' earlier encounter with lightning, which caused a postponement of their game with Villanova, this time Drexel was able to get back on the field almost as quickly as NCAA regulations allowed as no further strikes were spotted. The rain continued, however, pouring hard at times throughout the evening. A wet first half saw both teams go into the locker room scoreless and searching for some flow on offense.

James Madison struck first. Jonathan Barden rocketed a shot into the box that was blocked before it made it on net, but the Dragons could not control the rebound. It found its way to the foot of Callum Hill, who fired a low laser past the dive of Drexel goalkeeper Tyler Afflerbach from 30 yards out. Despite the goal allowed, Afflerbach stopped a season-best six shots on the evening, including two in the first overtime period.

Just over four minutes after the Dukes took the lead, Drexel responded. John Grosh, one of the senior leaders of the team, served the ball into the box where fellow senior Guido Pena redirected it from one side of the net to the other, connecting with Arana who headed it in from point blank range. The game was tied, and would remain that way for the next 33 minutes as the teams went to overtime, then double overtime.

Both sides had opportunities late in regulation and in overtime. Madison keeper Kyle Morton, who also had six saves on the night, had to make three in the second half and another in overtime to keep the game scoreless.

As the teams broke to start the second overtime, however, Drexel found its change. Just 41 seconds into the period, a loose ball at the top of the box was controlled by Arana, who fed it to Alexandersson standing nearby. The Swedish freshman rifled a shot to the upper 90, perfectly placed just under the crossbar, this time, to hand the Dragons the victory.

Drexel will now get back on the road for its next outing, a visit to CAA newcomer Elon on Saturday. That match will kick off at 7:00 p.m. as the teams play for the first time in a conference battle.