Gonzalez’s Overtime Winner Propels JBU to 2-1 Victory
PLAINVIEW, Texas (October 18, 2014) -- In a chippy contest that featured seven yellow cards, the Golden Eagles (6-6-1, 2-3-1 SAC) evened its overall record when senior midfielder Martin Gonzalez blasted a game-winning goal in overtime, sending John Brown past Wayland Baptist (Texas), 2-1, this afternoon at J.V. Hilliard Field.
Gonzalez’s blast in the first overtime session came in the 96th minute when the midfielder maneuvered past a Pioneer defender up the middle and unleashed a 25-yard rocket that found the upper-left corner of the net, beating WBU keeper, John-Ramses Thomas. The strike was Gonzalez’s second tally of the year and his first game-winner.
The Golden Eagles wouldn’t have made it that far into the extra session, had it not been for the heroics of freshman goalkeeper Adam Holt. In the 92nd minute, Baptist’s Jonathan Luna ripped a high shot from 35 yards that almost snuck over Holt’s head. The freshman made a tremendous leaping save to keep the visitors in the match.
Gonzalez also provided the assist in JBU’s first tally of the match in the 53rd minute. Gonzalez sent a free kick from outside WBU’s box to freshman defender Douglas Oliveira, who netted his second goal via header of the season, allowing John Brown to tie the match at one apiece.
The Golden Eagles enjoyed a 12-9 shooting advantage on the afternoon, led by Gonzalez’s seven shots, two of which landed on goal. Oliveira (2) and junior defender Will Simonds (2) added the remainder of JBU’s offensive output. Renato Dos Anjos led the Pioneers with two shots, one via penalty kick that was converted for a 1-0 lead for the hosts in the 27th minute.
"Our boys played hard today," admitted head coach Scott Marksberry. "Winning at Wayland is always one of the tougher results in our conference. Our guys deserve a lot of credit for working their way back into the game. We competed well and we executed some new ideas well. We were also able to rest some guys while we are trying to get the squad to full strength. All in all, this was a great trip."
With the victory, the Golden Eagles ended Wayland’s (9-5-0, 3-3-0 SAC) three-match winning streak.
John Brown will continue play on Thursday (Oct. 23) when it welcomes Southwestern A.G. (Texas) to Alumni Field for a 5:30 p.m. kick-off.
