Fort Lewis College didn’t want to play overtime, but the Skyhawks still had to play extra time Sunday.
They made sure not to play a full 20 minutes of bonus soccer, though, as Yannis Becker scored the game-winning golden goal just 29 seconds into the first overtime period. That goal sent the FLC men’s soccer team (11-7, 9-5 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) to a 1-0 win against Colorado Christian (5-13, 2-12 RMAC) in the regular season finale at Dirks Field in Durango.
Dirks Field took a beating all day Sunday with heavy rain in the area, and the cold, wet pitch made play even tougher on players.
“I think, obviously, we would’ve liked to avoid overtime, because we’re looking at potentially five games in 10 days,” FLC head coach Oige Kennedy said, referencing the possibility of three RMAC Tournament games in the next week after two games this weekend. “It would’ve been nice to avoid that on this field where it is heavy and hard on your legs, but it was important for us to finish off that win.”
Becker received a pass directly in front of goal from Zac Lawrence, and Becker tapped it past Colorado Christian goalkeeper Brandon Eide for his 11th goal of the season.
Becker said the goal was deserving after FLC blasted 30 shots and put 10 on goal.
“It’s not always easy to play teams that pack the box. I’m just happy we won this game, even if it was in overtime,” Becker said.
It was the second consecutive game Lawrence has assisted the golden goal, as he set up his brother Luke Lawrence for the game winner Friday night against Colorado Mines in a 2-1 win.
“That’s what makes soccer fun, those little moments,” Zac Lawrence said of his two latest assists. “Conditions we’re pretty tough, but it was fun, and we got the result.”
FLC dominated the Colorado Christian Cougars all game, but Eide made nine saves to keep FLC off the board. Kennedy would’ve like to see him team more accurate.
“We only tested the keeper 10 times with shots on target. I would like to see us more clinical in front of goal,” he said.
The win clinched the No. 4 seed in the conference tournament for the Skyhawks. FLC will host No. 5 UC-Colorado Springs (9-8-1, 8-6 RMAC) at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in the first round.
Becker said he would’ve liked to have won a few more games, but he is happy to play one more home game this season.
“I think we could’ve done better. We got a little unlucky throughout the season I think,” Becker said. “We could’ve won a couple of more games, but now we host the playoffs here ... and that’s good.”
Wednesday’s winner will advance to play No. 1 Colorado Mesa (15-2-1, 13-1 RMAC) in Grand Junction at 1 p.m. Friday.
The other quarterfinal will be played between No. 3 Regis (12-5, 9-5 RMAC) and No. 6 Metro State (10-7, 7-7 RMAC). The No. 2 seed is Colorado Mines (11-7, 9-5 RMAC).
FLC will take Monday to rest up some tired legs and injured bodies, and Kennedy is hoping for the forecasted snow showers to stay away from Dirks Field.
“Hopefully the snow, I know everybody wants snow on the mountain, and that’s fine, but if we can keep it out of town for a couple of days that would be good for us,” Kennedy said. “We’re hoping for real good fan support Wednesday. We’re excited for the game and hope to get a result and get to Grand Junction for the semifinal.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
FLC Skyhawks
Fort Lewis College Men’s Soccer
Senior Day
Sunday, Nov. 2
Maik Brandt
Alberto Capdepon
Cesar Castillo
Aaron Kloer
Ryan Pakieser
Elliot Prost
Durango Herald
