Columbia
BRYANT
Men's Soccer Rallies for 2-1 Overtime Victory Over Bryant
9/23/2009 5:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NEW YORK -- Junior Bayo Adafin scored the game-winning goal just 2:33 into the first overtime period and the Columbia University men's soccer team battled back from an early deficit to claim a 2-1 win over Bryant at Columbia Soccer Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The Bulldogs were able to take the lead in the 15th minute of the first half, but the Lions would have numerous chances and eventually evened up the score with less than 10 minutes left in regulation on a left-footed chance by Adafin from 10 yards out. The goal was set up by a free kick from classmate Peppe Carotenuto, who quick-started the play and placed the ball perfectly on Adafin's foot.
In overtime, Columbia wasted no time striking as senior Steven Keker found Adafin down the right side in the 93rd minute. The junior forward, who leads the team with three goals, went far post to beat the Bulldogs goalkeeper and give the Lions the golden-goal victory.
Bryant controlled much of the play in the early going, and scored the game's first goal as Erik Lekstrom found Matthew Brown on a through ball to give the Bulldogs the early advantage.
Columbia had a brilliant chance at the 25:40 mark, as first-year Nick Scott found Adafin at the edge of the 18-yard box. Adafin fired a shot that just missed the left side of net, and allowed Bryant to maintain the lead going into halftime.
The Lions had three chances in the first five minutes of the second half but were thwarted each time. The best opportunity came as senior James Prince struck the left post with his shot in the 49th minute of play. The carom went harmlessly out of bounds for a goal kick. Columbia dominated play in the second period, outshooting the Bulldogs 11-1, including four shots from first-year Will Stamatis.
For the match, the Lions closed with a 17-5 edge in shots. Sophomore Alexander Aurrichio tallied three saves to pick up his second victory of the season.
Columbia will return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Columbia Soccer Stadium as it hosts Fordham at 7 p.m.
