Box Score CHARLESTON, Ill. - - Behind a goal from Luca Schioppa (Sao Paulo, Brazil), the Belmont men's soccer team defeated Eastern Illinois, 2-1, in overtime Tuesday.
Both teams would have to battle high winds in Charleston during the match as the residual effect of hurricane Sandy could be felt in eastern Illinois.
The Bruins started on the assault early in the first half marking three shots within the first ten minuets of play.
The Bruins out shot the Panthers eighteen to twelve in the match.
The first half ended with no score as Belmont just missed well orchestrated attempts on goal.
Play picked up in the second half as Belmont acquired numerous chances on goal, all of which fruitless until Raphael Comanette (San Paulo, Brazil) gave the Bruins the lead in the 66th minute of play with his third goal on the season. Pedro Miranda (Rio de Janerio, Brazil) was credited with the assist, his second on the year.
The Panthers' Garret Christianson found the equalizer in the 76th minute of play to even the game at one apiece.
The score would remain 1-1 at the end of regulation.
The Bruins pushed the pace in the beginning of the first over time pressing on the Panther defense. In just the third minute of overtime Belmont found their game winner. Commanette slotted the ball to Luca Schioppa, who found the back of the net and the victory for the Bruins 3:42 into overtime.
The game winning goal was Shioppa's second of the season, the assist was Commanette's first.
"We came out battling the wind," commented Coach Earle Davidson "but our men played through it. We have been playing great soccer over the past month and it was great to get the victory.
Belmont puts away the well-earned victory improving to 6-8-2 as the Panthers fall to 3-13.
