Junior Carter Berg netted his second goal of the day with 44 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the second ranked University of Mary Washington men's soccer team a 3-2 victory over John Carroll University on Sunday afternoon in the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament at the Battleground. The Eagles improve to 18-1-2 on the season.
In one of the most exciting, action-packed games of the season, the Eagles opened the scoring at 16:14, as Berg took a pass from senior Nelsar Castillo to net his 13th goal of the season. The Blue Streaks continued to find opportunities, and evened the score at 1-1 just 5:01 later on a long run from Jaden Wright, and the game remained tied at 1-1 to the halftime horn.
In the second half, the Eagles withstood a serious of pressure situations, with goalkeeper Freddy Rogers coming up with several quality saves, and snared several crossing balls from danger as well. At 72:22, the Eagles went back ahead as Diego Guzman took a pass from Gabe Francesconi on the left side in a seam in the box, and found the open net. That lead was short lived, however, as the Blue Streaks drew a penalty kick just 32 seconds later, and converted to knot the score at 2-2.
That set the stage for Berg, who took a slide from Josh Kirkland off a throw in to beat the keeper with 44 seconds showing left in regulation.
The Eagles led in shots, 21-15, and John Carroll led in corner kicks, 7-5. Rogers made five saves on the day in gaining the win.
Mary Washington will advance to the NCAA Tournament sectional semifinals on Saturday, and will host Washington (Md.) College at 11:00 a.m.