Santa Cruz tops Panthers in OT
ORANGE, Calif. - In a physical, emotionally-charged game pitting two of the top-six teams in the West Region, U.C. Santa Cruz escaped with a 1-0 overtime win over the Chapman University men's soccer team on Friday evening at Wilson Field. In the 97th minute, Santa Cruz junior M Clayton Sorensen got loose in front of the net and scored the game-winning goal off a rebound, to give the Banana Slugs their second 1-0 victory over Chapman this season.
Both teams had numerous opportunities to score throughout the game but could not capitalize as Santa Cruz out-shot Chapman 18-10 for the game including a 4-1 advantage in overtime.
In the 85th minute, Chapman (10-4-2) junior goalie Tyler Hadzinsky made a diving save on a potential game-winning shot attempt by Santa Cruz junior M Matt Fondy to send the game into overtime. Hadzinsky had four saves on the night while senior Matt Mahowald had five saves in net for the Banana Slugs who are ranked No. 19 in Division III and third in the West Region.
Offensively, Fondy had six shot attempts for Santa Cruz. Chapman junior M Dalton Sweaney attempted three shots for the Panthers.
Prior to the game, the men's soccer team and Chapman University honored Bryce Turner, a Chapman student-athlete and member of the soccer team who passed away last spring. Bryce's family, along with several friends, teammates and classmates were on hand before the game for the presentation of the Bryce C. Turner Memorial Award - Panther of the Year. This award will be given each year to the Chapman soccer player who, through strong character, good sportsmanship, dedication, hard work and outstanding play, best exemplifies Chapman University Soccer.
A memorial service for Bryce will be held on Monday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. in the Fish Interfaith Center. All are welcome to attend this service.
Box Score: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/msoc/2009-10/stats/ucsc-cu.htm