Lynchburg, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg men's soccer team advanced past Ohio Northern in a thrilling penalty-kick shootout Saturday evening at Shellenberger Field. The Hornets and Polar Bears played to a scoreless draw through 110 minutes before Lynchburg won the shootout 5-3.
For the second straight season, the No. 7 Hornets (16-1-5) advance to the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament with the victory over the Polar Bears (14-4-6).
Stefan Kapitanov made four saves during regulation and overtime to keep Ohio Northern off the scoreboard. The Polar Bears placed two shots on target during the first half, but Kapitanov stopped attempts from Enzo Bordogna and Wil Baker.
Lynchburg played with 10 men after
Noah Coughlin received a red card in the 36th minute. Despite the disadvantage, the Hornets held Ohio Northern scoreless for the remaining 74:40. Kapitanov added two saves during the second half, denying Miles Armstrong in the 60th and 73rd minutes. The Lynchburg defense limited the Polar Bears to one additional attempt during the period, sending the match into overtime without a goal.
The Hornets generated two shots during the first overtime.
Jefferson Lopez Coreas placed an attempt on target in the 94th minute, while
Fischer Daniel sent a shot high less than a minute later.
Evan Pask recorded Lynchburg's final shot on goal in the 103rd minute, but Ohio Northern goalkeeper Luca Chiappetta made the save.
Ayden Cass opened the shootout with a successful attempt for Lynchburg.
Matthew Viscuso followed with another conversion before Ohio Northern missed its second opportunity.
William Casey, Daniel and Pask each converted their attempts to complete a perfect five-for-five shootout for the Hornets.
Ohio Northern finished with a 10-6 advantage in shots and a 4-2 edge in shots on target. The Polar Bears also held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. Kapitanov played all 110 minutes in goal and recorded the shutout as Lynchburg advanced with the 5-3 shootout result.
The Hornets have a week of rest before the next round of the NCAA tournament. They will await tomorrow's contest to see who they will match up with. Lynchburg will play the winner of Carnegie Mellon vs. UMass Boston in the round of 16 matchup at a to-be-determined time and place.
--LYN--
