GLASSBORO, N.J. -- The Carthage men's soccer team dropped a tough match at Rowan University today, coming up short in a 4-3 game that went into overtime.
Rowan (2-0) jumped on the board first, taking the first four shots of the match before scoring in the 20th minute. Later in the half, Carthage (0-2) drew a foul in the box, leading to a penalty opportunity for the Red Men that Jerry Patino converted to even the score.
Carthage came storming out in the second half, scoring just a minute in on great passing from Leo Mendoza and Freddy Martinez to Ivan Esquivel, who found the back of the net in the bottom-left corner.
The home team would even the score in the 61st minute of play before taking a 3-2 lead in the 79th. However, the Red Men struck right back, scoring immediately on the ensuing kickoff, with Martinez scoring on a cross from Mendoza. The score would remain even at three apiece at the end of 90 minutes, forcing an extra period of play where the Profs scored just under five minutes in.
The Red Men will return home next weekend and host the Carthage College Invitational, beginning with a match against Knox College on Friday, September 6 at 7 p.m.
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"I have been coaching for over 30 years, and haven't been in a more competitive environment than we were in today to start the season. The loses hurt because we could have gotten both results but we found out a ton about our team, in tough conditions, against championship, 15-win type teams."
"For stretches we showed what Carthage Soccer is all about, answering always. It's hard to say our backline played great in a loss but we surrendered goals on height victory and restarts, all controllable. Freddy, Ivan, Leo and Jerry are starting to heat up and playing really well together. When we get a few guys back from injury we will be tough to beat."
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Quick Facts
- Jerry Patino scored his first goal of the season today, after finishing second on the team last year with seven.
- Tied with Patino for second on the team in goals last year was Ivan Esquivel, who netted his first of 2019 today as well.
- Midfielder Freddy Martinez scored his first goal since October 7 last season, and now has nine in his Carthage career.
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