Jose Garcia advances the ball into the box. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
Wildcats clinch tournament berth with overtime victory over Texas College
October 29, 2016
TYLER, Texas – The Wiley College men’s soccer team lost its lead in the second half but rallied to win 2-1 over Texas College in overtime Thursday to clinch a spot in the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament.
“I’m happy that we came out with a win,” head coach Demetrio Hernandez said. “My boys made it hard. We couldn’t get into an offensive rhythm. Our midfield continued to struggle.”
Abdallah Rayyan scored his ninth goal of the season on a penalty kick in the fifth minute to give the Wildcats the lead. Wiley College maintained the advantage until the 66th minute when it gave up the tying goal.
In overtime, Jose Garcia scored his second goal of the season on a header off a corner kick by Maximiliano Jara with 4:52 left in overtime.
“I was really excited I could score the winning goal,” Garcia said.
Wiley College outshot Texas College 23-13. The Steers put six shots on goal compared to the Wildcats two. Rayyan led the team with seven shots and five were on goal. Starting goalkeeper Erik Reyes made saves on three shots. Wiley was awarded four corner kicks.
The Wildcats (7-4-1, 5-3 in RRAC) will visit Jarvis Christian on Saturday for their last opportunity to move up in the conference standings. Wiley College could earn a bye into the semifinals with a win and a University of St. Thomas-Houston loss.