DALTON, Ga. — The Eastern Oregon Mountaineers outlasted the Southeastern Florida Fire in a penalty shootout, prevailing 4-3 after a 2-2 draw through regulation and two overtime periods in the NAIA National Tournament opening round on Thursday evening.
Eastern Oregon struck first in the 43rd minute with Marcos Bravo's goal, assisted by Abner Hernandez, to lead 1-0 at halftime. Southeastern equalized in the 60th minute when Liam Fisch scored off an assist from Colton Eliasen. Jahrie Gray reclaimed the lead for EOU in the 82nd minute, only for Fisch to net his second goal less than a minute later, sending the match into overtime.
Despite several chances, neither team could break the deadlock in extra time. In the decisive penalty shootout, Edgar Romero Perez delivered the winning kick for the Mountaineers.
Eastern Oregon narrowly trailed in total shots (18-17) but held the edge in shots on goal (10-7). Both teams tallied three corner kicks in a physical contest, with Eastern Oregon committing 18 fouls to Southeastern's eight.
Key Results:
- Scorers:
- Penalty Shootout:
- Goalkeepers:
- EOU's Anthony Lemus: 5 saves in regulation and overtime; made critical stops in the shootout.
- SEU's Henrique Cavalini: 8 saves during play.
With the victory, the Mountaineers advance to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament, extending their postseason campaign. They will stay in Dalton, Georgia, to face No. 1 seed Dalton State on Saturday, November 23, with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.
