The Collegian
Friday, March 29, 2024

Richmond gets 2OT goal to defeat St. Joe's, 3-2

The script was the same, just the roles reversed for the University of Richmond men's soccer team Sunday as it won in double-overtime, 3-2, against Saint Joseph's University at Robins Stadium.

After suffering a pair of one-goal defeats at home this year -- with both deciding goals coming in the final two minutes of the game -- it was Richmond this time that scored in dramatic fashion to tie and then win the game.

Freshman Sean Baker scored in the 108th minute on a series that left many players confused. Houston Oldham appeared to win the game for the Spiders when his shot got past Andrew D'Ottavi, the Hawks' goalkeeper, but it was cleared by a Jake McPaul. The referees did not rule Oldham's shot a goal although the ball appeared to sail over the goal line.

It didn't matter though, as McPaul's clearing attempt went straight to Baker, who scored in an open net. Before Baker's shot went in, some St. Joe's players -- including D'Ottavi -- had given up while Richmond players were celebrating what they thought was a goal by Oldham.

"You're always excited to get the win," Richmond coach Clint Peay said. "Winning in dramatic fashion I guess adds a little intrigue to it."

There was no doubt about Oldham's goal that tied the game at two during the 76th minute. Oldham beat Brendan Reilly to a long pass from Oliver Murphy and kept Reilly to his left side, away from the ball. D'Ottavi came out to challenge Oldham, but Oldham beat him with a shot that went under a diving D'Ottavi.

"Houston's a big kid so he's a handful anywhere around the box," Peay said. Oldham had many other chances to either tie the game or give the Spiders the lead by putting five of his nine shots on goal.

Unlike in its first two home games of the season, Richmond found itself in an early hole. Jake Nelson beat Richmond goalkeeper Zac Brown, making a start in place of usual starter Thomas Hand, in the eighth minute of the game.

Alex Critzos increased the Hawks' lead to 2-0 in the 24th minute. Brown settled down after the second goal and ended with six saves.

"That was probably one of the worst first halves we've played," Baker said. "The second half, we wanted to come out fired up because this was a must-win game."

The Spiders did start the second half strong and scored their first goal in the 50th minute. Jonathan Stephenson redirected a corner kick from the right side and scored an open-net goal with D'Ottavi jumping to try to knock the corner down.

What made this comeback more impressive was Richmond did it without freshman Timmy Albright. Albright, who entered Sunday's game with a team-high four goals, collided with D'Ottavi less than two minutes into the game and had to be helped off the field after suffering what looked like a head injury. He watched the rest of the game on the sidelines and wore sunglasses during the second half and overtime.

Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter

"Once Timmy went down, we knew we all had to step up," Baker said.

Peay said that Albright would be examined and he did not know if Albright would miss any games.

Richmond has now split its first two Atlantic 10 Conference games and is 2-8-1 this year. The Spiders do not play again until Oct. 14, when it travels to Cincinnati for a 7 p.m. game.

Game Notes: Peay did not commit to a starting goalkeeper going forward, saying instead that it was a battle between the two. ... Richmond had 18 shots during the second half and ended the game with 30. ... Richmond's Justin Karr received a yellow card after shoving Ryan McFadden, who knocked him down. McFadden also received a card on the play.

Contact staff writer Andrew Prezioso at andrew.prezioso@richmond.edu

Support independent student media

You can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking the button below, which takes you to our secure PayPal account. The page is set up to receive contributions in whatever amount you designate. We look forward to using the money we raise to further our mission of providing honest and accurate information to students, faculty, staff, alumni and others in the general public.

Donate Now