University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, Va. -- Carlos Andres Romero dribbled down the right side and slotted the ball in the far side of the back of the net in the sixth minute of overtime to lift the University of Lynchburg men's soccer team to a 3-2 victory over Shenandoah on Saturday evening at Shellenberger Field.

The No. 11 Hornets (15-1-4) claimed their 36th conference championship, 21st ODAC title, and fifth ODAC trophy in the last seven seasons. Lynchburg has achieved back-to-back ODAC Championship wins for the first time since winning two consecutive titles in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. 

Lynchburg overcame a pair of one-goal deficits during a second half that featured on offensive flurry of four goals. The Lynchburg Hornets controlled the attacking play during a scoreless opening half, outshooting Shenandoah 5-1 and taking both of the period's corner kicks. Jefferson Lopez Coreas recorded the only shot on goal of the half, but Shenandoah goalkeeper Aidan King-Miller made the save.

Shenandoah opened the scoring at 49:38 when Hatim Elkhasouani netted his third goal of the season. Lynchburg responded less than nine minutes later as Matthew Viscuso scored his fifth goal of the campaign at 58:30, leveling the match at 1-1.

Jarbin Rodriguez restored Shenandoah's advantage at 60:46, but the Hornets answered again. Fischer Daniel converted at 71:32 for his fourth goal of the season, with Ayden Cass providing the assist.

Lynchburg continued to apply pressure following the equalizer. Isaac Torres and William Casey each placed shots on goal during the closing stages of regulation, but King-Miller stopped both attempts to send the contest into overtime tied at 2-2.

Romero delivered the deciding goal at 95:16, scoring his fourth of the season on Lynchburg's only shot of the overtime period. Stefan Kapitanov earned the win in goal after playing all 95:16. The Hornets finished with a 13-6 advantage in shots, including a 6-3 edge in shots on target. Lynchburg also led 4-2 in corner kicks and held 58 percent of the possession. Viscuso, Daniel and Romero accounted for Lynchburg's three goals, while Cass recorded the team's lone assist.

The men's soccer squad earned the ODAC's automatic bid into the DIII NCAA tournament. The Hornets will know their draw in the national tournament after the selection show, which will be shown on ncaa.com on Monday, November 9 at 11 a.m.

Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-date news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.

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