Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
Loyola Tournament (Fordham)
Dragons Pull Out an OT Thriller Against Fordham in Finale of Black & Decker Classic
8/31/2008 1:37:51 PM | Men's Soccer
Baltimore, Md. – Fabio Assumpção came through again for the Dragons (2-0). The junior midfielder scored his second game-winning goal in as many matches this season to give Drexel a 3-2 victory over Fordham (0-2) in overtime of its final contest in the Black & Decker Classic hosted by Loyola.
The Dragons came from behind after giving up a goal in the 17th minute of play. Momentum shifted in Drexel's favor when senior keeper Cory Robertson, who made his first start of the season, stopped a Fordham penalty shot with his team trailing 1-0 midway through the first half.
His team responded with an equalizer minutes later. Senior Carlos Ruthner came off the bench to draw the match at 1-1 in the 40thth minute with his first goal of the season. Fellow senior Cole Feffer, who was also a sub in the contest set up Ruthner's goal as the team got an important lift off its bench.
Drexel pulled ahead in the 76th minute on a strike from Nake Baker that was set up by Assumpção. The team appeared to be in position to hold on to the 2-1 lead with a solid defensive effort and lock up the victory.
Drexel's defense, which was peerless in preserving leads last season, uncharacteristically let up a late goal, in the 84th minute to reknot the match at two goals apiece. The Aaron Markowitz strike proved to be the final goal in regulation and the contest went into a golden-goal overtime period.
Assumpção's golden tally came just seconds before the end of the first of two 10-minute periods. The Brazilian uncorked a shot from 20 yards out that found its way into the upper right corner of the net, thus preserving an undefeated run at the Black & Decker Classic and a securing a share of the tournament title for his team.
The teams were evenly matched with 10 shots on goal apiece in the contest, but Drexel outshot the Rams 6-3 in the second period. Drexel edged Fordham 3-2 in corner kicks. All-Conference keeper Cory Robertson made four saves to earn his first victory in goal for Drexel this season. Ryan Meara let in three goals and made just one save in the loss for Fordham.
Drexel and Loyola shared a split of the Black & Decker Classic title as both teams went 2-0 on the weekend. Assumpcao, Anthony Bafile and Greg Ermold earned places on the All-Classic Team for their efforts during the tournament.
The Dragons return to Philadelphia for their home opener at Vidas Field on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7:00 p.m. when they face city rival Saint Joseph's.
