MISHAWAKA, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University men's soccer team battled No. 15 Bethel University to a 1-1 draw through regulation and two overtime periods Wednesday night before the Pilots advanced 4-3 on penalties in the Crossroads League Tournament Quarterfinals.
Micah Vasey scored his 10th goal of the season on a first-half penalty kick, while
Soren Goubely Dondaine made five saves across 110 minutes to help SAU reach the shootout.
Bethel opened the scoring at the 20:55 mark when Noe Ferreira finished off an assist from Diego Cadabon. Spring Arbor answered less than seven minutes later, with Vasey converting from the penalty spot at 27:51 to even the match.
The teams remained tied through halftime, and the Cougars held firm against sustained pressure after the break. Goubely Dondaine made two second-half saves as Bethel recorded 10 shots during the period.
The SAU goalkeeper added a save in each overtime session, stopping Felipe Falivene in the 96th minute and a Fernando Laserna header in the 104th.
Kellen Eva sent a shot high in the final minute of the second overtime as the match headed to penalties.
Caleb Swartzendruber, Vasey and
Pedro Rosa converted consecutive attempts for Spring Arbor after the Cougars missed their opening kick. Bethel made its first three attempts before missing in the fourth round, leaving the shootout tied 3-3.
After SAU's fifth attempt was unsuccessful, Falivene converted to send the Pilots through.
