MS rallies to win in OT, 3-2

November 4, 2008

Misenheimer, NC – Number four Pfeiffer Falcons played host to number five Queen’s University on a chilly, overcast Tuesday afternoon in Conference Carolinas first round playoff action. The Falcons came back from a two goal deficit at the end of the first half to tie the game in regulation. Pfeiffer pulled out a win after an overtime goal from Renato Barbosa (Campo Grande, Brazil) in the 95th minute.

Pfeiffer looked sharp in the beginning of the game, but was frustrated throughout the first half by Queens. Queens played aggressively up top and broke down the Falcons’ ability to clear their own zone. The Royals took the lead in the first half scoring two unanswered goals. Senior Kevin O’Donnell (Prince George, VA) scored first in the 30th minute and then again 11 minutes later. Chad Pinnick (Satellite Beach, FL) notched an assist on the first goal, while Jon Fredrik Rektorli (Iverness, IL) was credited with the second assist. Pfeiffer junior Jonathan Baxter (Bonner Springs, KS) kept Queens from increasing their lead by heading out a ball sent toward an open net. Sophomore Nick Brindley (Northamptonshire, England) had Pfeiffer’s best scoring chance with a low, far post shot that hit the upright. The Falcons went into half time with their heads hung low.

Pfeiffer rallied back and scored two goals in the second half to tie the game a force an overtime period. Senior team captain Brad Sisk (Winston-Salem, NC) put the first in the back of the net with a header off of a cross from Chris Venable (Greensboro, NC) in the 77th minute. Pfeiffer gained confidence from this goal and increased their pressure on Queens’ defense. Junior Kash Knight (Gibsonville, NC) used his team’s momentum to put the ball past O’Donnell on a low strike from 18 yards out. Knight was assisted by Boo Tesh (Concord, NC).

Barbosa gave the Falcons the win with a low strike that sailed to the far side of the net past net minder O’Donnell in the 95th minute. Senior Casey Bartlett (Whitesboro, NY) assisted Barbosa. Pfeiffer advances to the Conference Carolinas men’s soccer semifinals on Friday, November 7, 2008. Location, time, and opponent will be determined by Tuesday nights’ matches.

The Falcons finished regular season play with a conference record of 6-4. Their overall record improves to 10-9. The Royals end their season 5-4-1 in conference and 9-7-1 overall.