Wright State advances to NCAA tournament

0

For the first time in program history, the Wright State men’s soccer team is headed to the NCAA Division I soccer tournament as the Raiders defeated the Milwaukee Panthers 4-3 in penalty kicks.

Deri Corfe broke the 28 minute scoreless drought as he fired in a shot from beyond the box for the first goal of the contest and his 13th of the season. The Raiders remained in control for the rest of the first half.

Just five minutes into the second half, Milwaukee’s Paolo Gratton connected on a pass from Evan Conway to tie the contest at one all.

Though both teams battled through 90 minutes, that wasn’t enough as the Horizon League Championship headed into golden goal overtime. Two overtime periods was not enough to crown a champion as the match ultimately headed to penalty kicks to decide a Champion.

Milwaukee was first to the penalty line and to convert, taking a 1-0 lead. Wright State headed to the line for their first, ultimately missing. The Panthers took to the line; converting again and going up 2-0 before

Wright State took to the line and found the back of the net. Joel Sundell came up big for the Raiders as he stopped the next two rounds of Panther PKs before the Milwaukee made their final PK of the night.

Wright State converted on the remaining four penalty kick attempts, with Jackson Dietrich connected with the back of the net on what would be the Raiders final and game winning penalty kick. The contested ended in favor of Wright State, 4-3.

Miami Trace graduate Blake Pittser started all three games in the tournament.

Wright State’s Blake Pittser (24) advances the ball during a Horizon League tournament game.
https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/11/web1_Blake-Pittser-pic.jpgWright State’s Blake Pittser (24) advances the ball during a Horizon League tournament game. Photos courtesy Wright State University Athletic Department

The Wright State Raiders men’s soccer team celebrates their Horizon League tournament championship. Kneeling, at right, at the end of the front row, is Blake Pittser.
https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/11/web1_Wright-State-mens-team-wins-HL-title.jpgThe Wright State Raiders men’s soccer team celebrates their Horizon League tournament championship. Kneeling, at right, at the end of the front row, is Blake Pittser. Photos courtesy Wright State University Athletic Department

No posts to display