Men's Soccer Topped In Overtime By Navy, 3-2

Friday, September 18

Ambler Soccer Complex

3:30 PM

Temple University

NAVY

Tyler Witmer

Men's Soccer Topped In Overtime By Navy, 3-2

9.18.09 | Men's Soccer

Witmer posts two goals in the contest

Ambler, PA - Temple (1-3-1) hosted Navy (4-1-0) Friday afternoon at the Ambler Sports Complex as part of the Penn Classic. Navy proved to be a formidable foe as they were able to hand a heartbreak loss to Temple 3-2 in overtime, despite a two goal effort from Owl forward Tyler Witmer.

The first half started out as an absolute battle with both teams trying to figure out a plan of attack. The Cherry and White struck first in the 14th minute when senior midfielder Francois Sagna made a 40-yard run before dishing the ball to Witmer, immediately pounding the ball into the upper ninety. Eight minutes later, Navy's Mark Garcia responded with an up-close rebound goal which left Owl keeper Bret Mollon no chance to make the save. Mollon would go on to make six saves in the match.

With the game deadlocked at 1-1 heading into halftime, there was much to improve on. It did not take long for the Owls to regain the lead. A beautiful build up starting with freshman Homero Rodriquez playing a ball out wide to Max Kinderwater, set up Tyler Witmer with an outstanding cross for Witmer's second goal of the game at 59:44.

The assist was the first point for Rodriquez in his young career. Navy nearly escaped a 3-1 deficit on multiple occasions, staving off a certain goal by Rodriguez that was headed off the line by a Midshipmen defender. Minutes later, an amazing half volley by Witmer hit the crossbar.

Temple's lead seemed insurmountable as they continued to relentlessly pressure Navy's backline. But with six minutes to play substitute Sam Miller provided Navy with the breath of fresh air that they needed, hammering another close range goal into the back of the Owl net off of a cross from Michael Rakoczy.

Three minutes into the first overtime Navy's Eric Wooten headed in the game winner from a beautiful cross from Wes Powell. Powell had two assists in the game.

Temple out shot Navy 15-12 in the contest.

The Cherry and White are back in action hosting Albany on Sunday at 1:00pm as part of the Penn Classic.