LA GRANDE, Ore. – For a while, it looked like the Eastern Oregon University men's soccer team was headed for its second-straight overtime contest in dark conditions. But a twist of fate brought a different result and a much happier ending.
The Mountaineers came from behind to stun Northwest, 2-1, on Saturday evening thanks to a game-winner by junior forward Fredy Rodriguez in the 85th minute.
For EOU, it was the team's first Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) win in program history, and it was against a team that finished second in the league last season.
"Today was a historical day for EOU men's soccer," said head men's soccer coach Stan Rodrigues. "Our first conference win against a quality opponent. We can only earn respect by competing, and my team is doing that. My staff and I give all the credit to our boys. We are more than a team, we are a family."
Key Performances
Rodriguez led the way for the Navy and Gold with two shots and the game-winner in the 85th minute.
Meanwhile, in a chaotic series of events, freshman midfielder Aldo Rivas tossed what appeared to be a routine throw-in that ricocheted off Eagle goalkeeper Daniel Christenson's hands into the goal.
The Storyline
A scoreless first half between the two squads saw Northwest edge EOU in the shot department, 8-6. However, junior goalkeeper Alfredo Lara once again proved to be a different maker, recording five saves in the opening 45 minutes.
Northwest broke the scoreless drought in the 52nd minute after Odason Pelogi fired one in the back of the net to give the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.
Suddenly, the luck flipped into the hands of the Mountaineers and energized what had turned into a rather silent crowd. From the right side of the field near the corner, Rivas launched a throw-in high in the hair, and the ball appeared to be swatted away by Christenson until it bounced behind the Eagle goalkeeper, sending the Mountaineer sideline into elation.
Then, on the attack in the 85th minute, Rodriguez caught a breakaway from his defender off a pass from Rivas and connected on a 12-yarder to give EOU a 2-1 lead.
In the final four minutes, a rattled Northwest (2-5, 0-2 CCC) team collected four yellow cards, and the Navy and Gold held on for the thrilling upset victory.
Stat of the Game
6 – Saves between Lara and sophomore goalkeeper Luke Ridder.
Up Next
EOU (2-2, 1-1 CCC) returns to the pitch on Sept. 25 against Great Falls in La Grande at 3:30 p.m.
