The Win Streak Continues
By Machel Millwood
On Friday October 4, the Owls men soccer team continued their winning streak after beating Harford Community College in a hard fought 4-3 overtime game. The game was a nail biter and both teams played exceptional soccer, which to this point could be noted as the game of the season. Harford was able to score first off a free kick about 25 yards out to take a 1-0 lead late in the first half. Within minutes, PG responded with a goal of their own after Yannick Formatum was able to break free in the box and slot the ball past the Harford goalkeeper to tie the game at one goal apiece going into the half. This set up the start for an entertaining second half.
The second half started similar to the first, with Harford playing an attacking style with hopes of taking the lead. They were awarded another free kick within minutes and again they were able to capitalize on the opportunity and take a 2-1 lead. This led to a barrage of attacks by the Owls, who were able to tie the game once again after George Afakpe was taken down in the penalty box by evading the defender with clever footwork. Team captain Joel Musa, stepped to the strike and was able to convert to tie the game at 2-2.
With tired legs late in the second half, both goalkeepers were called into action to make game winning saves. However, the Owls defense was once again breached by the all out attacking play of Harford Community College when they were awarded a penalty kick in the 80th minute. This left goalkeeper Reynero Pacheco diving to the correct side, but too much power and finesse allowed PG to surrender the lead once again.
With nothing to lose and down by a goal, the Owls men pushed more players into the attack and were rewarded with a corner kick with less than four minutes left in the game. Once again, Yannick Formatum was able to find the ball and placed a powerful header in the back of the net. This goal was a heart breaker for the men from Harford, and the disappointment could be seen on their faces as the final whistle blew and the game was sent into overtime.
With PG controlling most of the possession in the overtime period, they were able to create scoring changes with quick combination plays. Just like the first half, Yannick Formatum was involved in the build up, and played an exquisite pass down the middle that found George Afakpe wide open with only the goalkeeper to beat. He was able to slot the ball in the corner of the goal leaving the Harford shot stopper with no chance of making a save. This resulted in the Owls taking the sudden death overtime win and continuing their 6 game win streak.
The Owls men will travel to face their main rivals Montgomery College on October 8, and will be back home to host Howard Community College on Friday October 11. Kick off for the Howard game is set for 6pm.
To watch the game please click here.
