Men's Soccer Pushes Past DWC in 2OT

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College men's soccer team pulled off a dramatic come-from-behind victory in double overtime against Daniel Webster College, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field.

Freshman Michael Gallimore netted the game-winning goal in the 109th minute to put the Mariners (3-2-0 overall, 1-0-0 NECC) on top. Mitchell had trailed for most of regulation before sophomore Jason Kirby tied the game with a score in the 83rd minute.

Daniel Webster (1-5-2 overall, 0-1-0 NECC) took an early lead when Joey Morgan connected on the game's first shot in the eighth minute. He stole a pass in his own offensive end and, from the left side of the box, sent a rocket to the far corner for his second goal of the season.

The Eagles made the most of their only chance of the first half and led 1-0 at the intermission. The Mariners managed only two shots in the stanza.

Mitchell was more aggressive in the second half while playing from behind. Kirby nearly tied the game in the 55th minute but saw his shot from 20 yards out hit off the crossbar. Freshman Zack Rocheleau also had a pair of chances in the box in the 59th minute but had each blocked by a DWC defender.

Despite being outshot 12-1 in the second half, the Eagles clung to the 1-0 advantage and looked like they might walk away with the victory. That all changed when sophomore Jordan Derosier fed an outlet pass to classmate Taylor Surette, who found Kirby streaking down the left side of the field. Kirby dribbled to goal and unleashed a laser to the near post from 16 yards out that found its way to the back of the net. His first goal of the season tied the score at 1-1 with 5:36 remaining in regulation.

Kirby nearly put the Mariners ahead just minutes later, but his attempt from in front of the goal was high. Neither side had another quality look in the closing moments and the match continued into extra time.

After a scoreless first overtime, the teams returned to the pitch for the match's final 10 minutes. Mitchell earned a corner kick with just over two minutes remaining, and sophomore Frank Williams played a short ball in to senior Michael Berthiaume in the corner. Berthiaume turned and sent a cross in front of the goal, where the 6-foot-6 Gallimore jumped up in a crowd and headed home the winner. It was his first career goal and came with just 1:41 remaining in the contest.

Mitchell held a commanding 24-4 edge in shots for the match. Sophomore goalkeeper Ramazan Sinani made one save in the win while Sean Hamilton had three stops for the Eagles.

Mitchell will next host Albertus Magnus College on Wednesday, September 26 at 3:30 p.m.