Double OT Not Enough To Decide Goucher-McDaniel Game

WESTMINTER, MD. -Goucher College improved to 4-1-3 today with a 1-1 Double Overtime result against McDaniel, 2-2-2, in Westminster, MD.  An exciting game took off to another level in the last 8 minutes as both teams scored to force an overtime that could not decide the game.

The game began with a tentative start from the Gophers. McDaniel controlled much of possession and threatened early. McDaniel’s Diego Varagas sped past the high defense and forced Goucher’s Hendry into a superb breakaway save. Hendry would register seven saves in the game. As time went on, Goucher settled into the game and was able to push into the final third, sending in crosses, and creating opportunities.

At half time, Head Coach Bryan Laut was not content with the speed of play. He urged his players to play faster, press higher, and win tackles. Laut made some changes to his original starting lineup and they paid off. Following a slow and even first half, Goucher controlled much of the game. The team followed Laut’s direction, as they put McDaniel under pressure winning free kicks, taking shots, and forcing mistakes.

As time went on, Goucher was rewarded for their persistent attack.  Following a strong defensive play by McDaniel, Goucher was awarded a corner kick and Brandon Cohen ’20 scored off of an assist by Evan Phillips. The goal is Cohen’s sixth of the season making him Goucher’s high goal scorer for a season since 2012.  It was also Goucher’s sixth game with a goal after the 80^th minute. 

Unfortunately for the Gophers, they would concede a goal with one minute to play. After a foul close to Goucher’s goal, goalkeeper Dan Hendry ’19 saved McDaniel’s first attempt, but parried it wide to open Adam Wise who smashed it into the top corner.

Going into overtime is not something new for Goucher. The Gophers have already played 51 minutes of extra time this season. Goucher played well creating chances including a threatening corner kick. McDaniel was pressed high in their half and was reduced to clearing balls that were recovered by Goucher. The last ten minutes were hectic. Goucher’s Cohen and Drew Phillips ’18 threatened scoring late. Unfortunately, it was not enough to seal a Goucher victory.

Though Goucher was hoping to register their second away win in a row, the team had to settle for a draw as they face their biggest test of the season this weekend. They play away at Juniata at 3:30 in their first Landmark Conference game of the season. All eyes will be on the Gophers as they continue to impress in the 2016 season.