The Western men’s soccer team advanced to the second round of the 2016 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Men’s Soccer Championship after a 3-2 overtime win over Dixie State University on Friday, Nov. 11, in San Diego, Calif.
Western junior Stephen Jinneman headed in a near-post goal in the eighth minute of the first overtime period to lift six-seed Western over three-seed Dixie State University.
The golden goal was set up after a throw-in from the right side came into the box and was flicked on by redshirt freshman Jeremiah Lee, before making its way to Jinneman who placed his header into the top half of the goal.
“Our team had been putting pressure on their goalie all day,” Jinneman said. “It just happened to be me who got the goal.”
The Vikings trailed for a majority of the game after conceding a goal in the sixth minute, but Western’s offense surged late in the second half.
“Our team had been putting pressure on their goalie all day. It just happened to be me who got the goal.”
Stephen Jinneman
The Vikings found their chance to even the score in the 75th minute when junior Anthony Dean was pushed while inside the box, awarding Western a penalty kick. Senior Brady Ulen converted the kick and tied the game at 1-1.
The two teams pressed for the go-ahead goal, resulting in a Western cross that was knocked down by the arm of a Dixie State player inside the box. The handball awarded another penalty kick to Western. Once more, Ulen converted and gave the Vikings a late 2-1 lead.
Just one minute and 16 seconds later, Dixie State University scored off a direct free kick to tie the game at 2-2 and force overtime.
Western junior goalkeeper Tyler Visten made a crucial save five minutes into overtime after a Dixie State player found himself in a one-on-one situation. Visten got a hand on the shot and pushed it just wide of the goal.
Jinneman’s golden goal three minutes later guaranteed Western’s place in the second round.
Dixie State University played a man down for the latter part of the game, after Dominic Damato received his second yellow card in the 79th minute. The Vikings were able to create scoring chances throughout the game, outshooting Dixie State University by an 11-shot margin.
“We really embraced the underdog mentality,” Jinneman said.
Six-seed Western will play two-seed tournament host University of California, San Diego at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13.
