Oct. 15, 2004
Bulldogs Win Overtime Thriller Against Findlay
In a rematch of last season's NCAA Division II Quarterfinals, the Truman Bulldogs exacted a small measure of revenge against the University of Findlay (Ohio) with a 1-0 double-overtime victory at the Truman Soccer Park on Friday. Findlay knocked out the Bulldogs in last season's game, ending Truman's bid for a national championship and undefeated season.
Junior Martin Clayes (Perth, Scotland/St. Columbus) scored with four minutes left in the game on a pass from sophomore Matt McCarthy (Glendale, Mo./St. Louis Univ. High). The play was set up on a corner kick as Clayes was able to sneak the ball through goalkeeper Chris Stewart near the left post for the win. The goal was the team-leading ninth on the season for Clayes.
Truman controlled most of the game, outshooting the Oilers by a 13-6 margin. Stewart had to make six saves with most of them in the first half. In the second half, with about 14 minutes left, the Bulldog defense came up with a big play. A three-on-one was knocked away by defender Andy Lakers (Urbandale, Iowa/Urbandale) before Findlay could get a shot off.
At the start of overtime, Findlay has a pair of chances that tested Bulldog keeper Nate Gibson (Edwardsville, Ill./Edwardsville). Gibson made four saves, two in the second half and two early in the first overtime.
Truman improves to 8-3-3 overall, while Findlay exits Kirksville with
a 7-5-1 mark. The Bulldogs will next be in action on Sunday afternoon when
they host Northern Kentucky at noon.