ROHNERT PARK, Calif- Freshman
Cam Vickers assisted on the game-tying goal near the end of regulation, then scored the game-winner in double overtime to lead Sonoma State to a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Fresno Pacific on Tuesday at Seawolf Field. The 13th-ranked (NCAA Division II) Seawolves improve to 13-2-2 on the season while the 12th-ranked (NAIA) Sunbirds fall to 8-3-1.
"This was a great win for us today," said head coach
Marcus Ziemer, "Even though it was non-conference, it was important for us to fight from behind to get the win and keep our streak alive. Fresno Pacific is a very good team."
Despite a healthy 10-2 shot advantage in the first half, the Seawolves could not find net and the teams entered the break scoreless. It would be Fresno Pacific breaking through first when, in the 54th minute, Daniel Spieth scored off an assist by Marcelo Molina.
"We started of guys who haven't played as much. They played well and generated some good chances, even though we couldn't get one to fall," said Ziemer.
It looked like the Seawolves might be heading for their first home defeat of the year before some late game heroics by Vickers and
Scott Preckwinkle saved the day. SSU kept the pressure on and finally, in the 86th minute a Vickers corner was headed past the keeper by Preckwinkle.
With just two minutes left in overtime, the Seawolves found the game-winner. On their 27th shot of the game, Vickers got a feed from
Andrew Bailey on the right and rocketed it past the keeper for the game-winner. It was the first collegiate goal for the freshman from Lake Tapps, Washington.
The Seawolves out shot the Sunbirds 27-3 in the game. They also had a healthy advantage in corner kicks (12-2) and fouls (20-9).
The Seawolves return to league play this weekend as they head to Cal State Monterey Bay (Friday) and San Francisco State (Sunday). Said Ziemer, "We get a day to recover, then we need to prepare for CSUMB and SFSU. They are always tough on the road, but we have a lot to play for and we'll be ready!"
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