MIAMI GARDENS, FL: The Texas Wesleyan University men's soccer team moved to 2-0 on the season with a 3-2 overtime victory at St. Thomas University-FL (0-1) on Saturday. The Rams erased a 2-goal deficit in the second half to force overtime before
Denis Ushakov netted his second goal of the day in the 94th minute.
The Rams, who opened the season with a 2-1 win against Keiser University on Friday, found themselves in an early hole against the Bobcats. STU was awarded a penalty kick just 23 seconds into the game and Fabian Heinrich staked his team to a quick 1-0 lead. Victor Cortez pushed the margin to 2-0 with a goal off of a cross through the box in the 10th minute.
The Rams settled in, and the score remained 2-0 at the intermission. In the second half, Ushakov netted his first goal on an assist by
Ojuok Otieno, and
Will Graham assisted an
Alex Ellis goal to tie the game in the 69th minute.
In the overtime period, the combination of Otieno to Ushakov did it again, this time ending the game in the 94th minute and delivering a 3-2 win.
Ushoakov has enjoyed playing against St. Thomas. He entered Saturday's game with three career goals, all in his sophomore season (2013). That year he netted two goals including the game-winner against the University of St. Thomas-Houston.
For the game, St. Thomas outshot Texas Wesleyan 20-10 although a 12-2 margin in the first half accounted for the difference. The Rams were whistled for 27 infractions to just 17 for the Bobcats. Corner kick opportunities were nearly even at 3-2 in favor of St. Thomas.
Marko Jovanovic (2-0) made six saves to secure the win, while St. Thomas' Dejan Bregasi made four stops in the loss.
The Rams will return to action on Wednesday, September 2, with a neutral site contest when they take on William Carey University (MS) in Shreveport, LA. That game is scheduled for a 4:30 pm start.
Ramblings
- The Rams got off to a 6-0 start in 2013.
- The Rams are 2-0 all-time vs. St. Thomas-FL and have never faced William Carey on the soccer field.
