SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Scoring your first career goal is always memorable but Spring Arbor University sophomore Mitchell Simon showcased a flair for the dramatic netting the game-winner in the 89th minute to complete the 3-2 come from behind victory over Marian University on Wednesday night.
"This team is very resilient," said head coach Nathan Miller. "We stick to our principles even when we are squeezed. We have composure in big moments, and guys step up when they are required to. Everything is about the team. Always. But guys like Kevin Veeder really stepped up and ran the show, and then, of course, Mitch came through at the end. I also give coach Eric Salley a lot of credit. Consistently winning late in games shows our fitness and strength and he does a great job with that"
The win was the second straight for the Cougars as they improved to 8-5-2 on the season and 3-2-1 in the Crossroads League. The Knights, who entered as winners in five of their last six matches, dropped to 7-7-1 overall with a 4-2-0 mark in league play.
Despite dominating the match statistically, Spring Arbor was forced to overcome not one, but two one-goal deficits. After Marian grabbed the early lead with a goal in the 15th minute, Morris Kamara answered for the Cougars in the 26th minute with an incredible back heel goal to level the score at 1-1.
The match would remain tied until 61st minute when MU's Zach Sneiderwine, the conference's leading scorer, notched his 11th goal of the season. The Cougars refused to go away, however, responding with the equalizer from Jared Putt just moments later. Senior Cody Getsinger delivered a perfect cross to a slashing Putt, and he would finish to the near post.
Spring Arbor continued to apply the pressure, searching for the go-ahead goal. Then, in the 89th minute, a corner kick from senior Stevenson Storm slipped through the MU keeper's hands and bounced around in front of the goal before it found the feet of Simon, who punched it into the back of the net.
The Cougars outshot the Knights 22-9 on the night, and also held a commanding 10-4 advantage in corner kicks.
"We really need to do a better job defending," noted Miller. "The past few games have not been up to our standard and our guys know that. But, this league is so tight and is such a battle, so winning close matches like this is rewarding and telling for the quality of guys we have in our locker room. We quickly turn the page for Taylor now."
Spring Arbor will host Taylor University (3-9-2, 1-4-1 CL) on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
Men's Soccer Contact: Chris Bauman | 517-750-6504 | christopher.bauman@arbor.edu
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