Moon Township, Pa. / North Athletic Complex-Both teams had their chances through the first 90 minutes of action, but Wright State capitalized in the 96th minute to take a 1-0 victory over Robert Morris University in men's soccer action Wednesday afternoon at North Athletic Complex. The Colonials slip to 0-3 after losing their home opener while the Raiders stay perfect at 3-0.
"(Wright State) was 2-0 and they scored six goals in the first two games and we held them to nine shots and no real good opportunities," said RMU head coach Bill Denniston. "Defensively we did well. We created a couple things and Prince (Samuels) hit the crossbar. We're close."
A free kick from 40 yards out was awarded to Wright State five minutes into the first overtime session. Derek Zuniga played a ball beyond the far right post where Drake Stewart was able to elevate. His header was soft, but accurate, arcing beautifully over sophomore goalkeeper Toba Bolaji (Vaughn, Ontario / Maple) and into the left side netting.1
The first good chance of the game came for the Colonials in the ninth minute. Junior Francis Bowman (Fawn Grove, Pa. / Kennard-Dale) took a shot on a free kick 25-yards out on the right side. His left footed-effort curved around the wall and was headed inside the right post before Corey Whisenhunt came from no-man's land and pushed the shot wide.
Chances were few and far between before the Raiders' Derek Zuniga unleashed a free kick to the upper right corner that Bolaji had to elevate and clear in the 41st minute, sending the game into the break in a scoreless draw.
Two great opportunities emerged in the early part of the second half, one for each squad. Wright State had the first when Zuniga spun past his defender, but his open shot missed the net on a tight angle near the left endline.
Just two minutes later, RMU freshman Prince Samuels (Saint Catherine, Jamaica / Kingston College) found himself on the end of a long ball out of the back. Samuels turned his defender around and, with one touch, flicked the ball over keeper Corey Whisenhunt. His effort, however, was a touch strong and bounced off the crossbar and out of harm's way.
The final opportunity of regulation belonged to the Raiders. Bryce Rockwell Ashton found himself on the end of a cross to middle of the box and his header was true and hard. But Bolaji reacted quickly to his left to deny the chance.
Robert Morris travels to Buffalo this Sunday, September 12, for a 1:00 p.m. contest.
