GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Junior Adam Hunt scored the tying goal for the Spring Arbor University men's soccer team in the 58th minute against No. 1-ranked Davenport University on Wednesday night, but the Panthers netted the game-winner in the 84th minute to escape 2-1 at the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex.
"We are obviously gutted in the end," said head coach Nathan Miller following the match. "A 1v1 with their keeper in the last minute is hard not to wonder 'what if,' but we are just really proud of the guys. They executed the game plan and had a ton of courage to come after them like we did."
Looking to spoil the home opener for the defending national champions, Spring Arbor created several dangerous chances throughout the match – including a shot by senior Stevenson Storm in the final seconds that was saved by the DU netminder – but were never able to find the go-ahead goal.
"We really came after them with our high pressure and asked our backline and Cobi to be isolated in many situations," added Miller. "But we created some big chances and had an opportunity to win the game."
Despite generating several scoring chances, Davenport controlled possession throughout most of the night owning a 24-5 advantage in shots. After surrendering an early goal in the 12th minute, junior goalkeeper Cobi Piper – who recorded a career-high 15 saves – and the Cougar defense kept the Panthers off the board until the closing minutes of the match.
With the score still deadlocked at 1-1 and less than seven minutes to play, DU's Alex Mendez sent a direct free kick from 25 yards out through the wall and into the lower corner of the goal to give the Panthers their fourth straight victory.
"We obviously would have loved to take down the defending champs," noted Miller, "but we are proud of the effort and mindset and we look forward to our next challenge."
Spring Arbor (5-3) returns home to host Madonna University on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. in non-conference action before kicking off its Crossroads League slate against Huntington University on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.
Men's Soccer Contact: Chris Bauman | 517-750-6504 | christopher.bauman@arbor.edu
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