Creighton University
Loyola Marymount
Lions Hand No. 12 Bluejays 2-1 Double Overtime Loss
9/7/2003 3:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
LOS ANGELES - Double overtime was in order for the third time in four matches this season for the 12th-ranked Creighton men's soccer team, but for the first time this year the Bluejays suffered defeat Sunday afternoon, falling to Loyola Marymount 2-1 in double overtime at the Loyola Marymount Fall Classic.
LMU (2-2-0) notched the game-winning goal with just seconds to spare in the second overtime frame. The Lions' Kevin Novak found the back of the net with a header off a corner kick with three seconds remaining in the match to hand the Bluejays their first loss of the 2003 season.
“We've got to finish the game when we have as many chances as we did in regulation,” Head Coach Bob Warming said following the loss. “We also cannot afford to foul teams which can only score when given free kick opportunities.”
The Jays (1-1-2) took the early 1-0 lead when David Wagenfuhr tallied his first goal of the season in the third minute of play. The senior was assisted by Dave Minges on the first goal of the match at 2:38.
CU held the Lions off the board until late in the second half, when LMU was finally able to sneak a goal past the stingy Bluejay defense. Novak scored his first of two goals on the day in the 75th minute.
Guido Leon was once again stellar in goal for the Bluejays, making seven saves in his first career loss. For his efforts in the LMU Fall Classic, he was named to the all-tournament team.
Both teams battled for position and ball control in a physical match which saw nine yellow cards issued and a total of 51 fouls called. The Jays had plenty of opportunities to end the match in regulation, hitting the cross bar with two shots and hitting a post on another.
The Jays return to the comforts of home for the annual Ameritas Classic next weekend. CU will play UNLV and Portland next weekend at the Creighton Soccer Complex, while Southwest Missouri State rounds out the tournament field.
The Creighton Soccer complex is located at 17th and Cass Streets on the east side of the CU campus. For ticket information call 402-280-2720.
