Cambridge, Mass- The Lesley University Men's Soccer team opened up its home slate against Pine Manor College in a non-conference dual at Edward's Field. The match ended with a heart breaking loss for the Lynx in OT, 2-1. With the loss Lesley falls to 2-4 on the year, while Pine Manor improves to 5-1-1.
The Lynx got on the board early in the evening when Sophomore Gerry Chica (Wallingford, CT) blasted one past the Gator's goalie in the 13th minute of play. Lesley came out aggressive on the attack and put pressure on the Gator's last line of defense with 3 corner kicks in 3 minutes.
Freshman Carter Bliss (Roseville, CA) sent the corner kick into the box, but Lesley was unable to capitalize on the initial attempt. The ball was cleared out of the danger zone by the Gators, but found Sophomore Andrew Medeiros (Bristol, RI) who sent the ball back in to connect with Chica for the goal.
Lesley outshot the Gators 6-3 in the first half, while Pine Manor held the advantage in Corner kicks 4-3.
Pine Manor came out for the second half ready to attack the Lynx defense, and tied the game at 1-1 in the 52nd minute of play, just minutes after the start of the second half. Freshman midfielder Andree Hernandez (San Antonio, TX) received a pass from Sophomore Ahkeem Thompson (Long Island, NY) and put the first shot of the second half passed the Lesley goalie.
The Gators put more offensive pressure on the Lynx late in the second half, but Senior Goalie James Webb (San Francisco, CA) had a few great saves to keep the score tied and send the match into overtime.
Three minutes into the first overtime Senior forward Jahvar Gayle (Bloomfield, CT) received a through ball from Junior midfielder Jose Corrales (El Paso,TX) that put Gayle in the middle of the field chasing past Lesley defenders for a one on one opportunity with Webb. Gayle was able to get a shot off just before diving Webb and put the ball in the back left corner of the net for the win.
Lesley next travels to Dean College on Saturday September 23 when they open up their NECC Conference play.