Sports
Thomas More Edges Marietta 2-1 In Extra Time
By: Michael Drapcho
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The Marietta Pioneers dropped their second straight game as the Thomas More Saints defeated them 2-1 in extra time Saturday.
Jake Plummer scored the winning goal in the 103rd minute off a cross from Brian Runyon. The loss for Marietta was its second straight loss in extra time and its third loss extra-time loss this season.
“We’ve got to overcome that,” head coach Joe Bergin said referring to his team’s struggles in extra time. “There’s no magic pill to take to overcome that and start scoring in overtime; it’s just heart and desire.”
The Saints held a 1-0 lead until the 83rd minute when Wesley Riley tied the game on a penalty kick. The game remained tied throughout the first extra time period, which forced a second extra time period.
“Well, the PK saved us because we weren’t playing well,” Bergin said.
Despite a poor offensive performance, the Pioneers stayed in the game thanks to an impressive performance from senior goalkeeper, Chris Stollar. Stollar totaled five saves, including multiple diving saves to prevent goals.
Thomas More controlled the ball for the majority of the game due in part to Marietta’s turnovers. Bergin pointed out that his team must take better care of the ball and keep it on the ground in order to win games.
Marietta’s turnovers prevented the Pioneers from generating many scoring opportunities as they only had three shots on goal. The Saints, however, had seven shots on goal.
Marietta’s (3-6) next game is its first game in conference play, and it comes against Heidelberg University (5-2) Saturday, Oct. 5.