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Bulldogs Feeling The Love As OT Goal Provides 2-1 Victory
Sept. 18, 2009
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Junior forward Nick Love made his first goal of the season a big one Friday as his rebound at 91:29 gave Gonzaga University a 2-1 victory over Binghamton University in the opening match of the Nike/TLC Plumbing and Utilities Invitational hosted by the University of New Mexico. Love's rebound goal, his fifth career tally, came after Tye Perdido's shot was saved by Bearcats keeper Jason Stenta, but Stenta and Binghamton (2-3-0) were unable to corral the rebound and Love buried the match-winning shot. It was the Bulldogs (4-1-2) first overtime victory of the season in three tries, the other two ending in deadlocks. The Bulldogs had taken a 1-0 lead on the second shot of the match at 2:20. Love's shot hit the crossbar and senior Ben Funkhouser's rebound header was his team-leading fourth goal of the season and the 10th of his career. The Bearkats finally dented the Gonzaga defense and keeper Scott Barnum, Yusuf Yusuf beating Barnum 1-on-1 at 65:12 for his first goal of the season and the equalizer. Barnum, who entered the match with a 0.64 GAA, has now allowed just five goals in seven matches. Gonzaga put the pressure on in the first half, taking 10 shots, six on goal as Stenta was called on for five saves. Binghamton took six shots, three on goal in the opening period. The onslaught continued in the second half as the Bulldogs launched 11 shots, four on goal, while the Bearkats took four shots, scored a goal and Barnum was called on for one save. Gonzaga took a season-high 14 shots and Stenta finished with 10 saves. Binghamton had 14 shots and Barnum had four saves. Host University of New Mexico edged UC Davis 2-1 on a penalty kick in Friday's late match.
Gonzaga will conclude the tournament against the host Lobos Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time, setting up a true championship match between Friday's winners. |
