Lakeland, FL – The Webber International Men's Soccer team began SUN Conference playoff action on Thursday afternoon against the Southeastern Fire. In a rematch from a draw less than week ago, the Warriors held on through regulation and the first overtime period, but the Fire would get the pinnacle goal in the second overtime and defeat the Warriors 2-1, ending their 2024 season.
The Warriors recent match with the Fire last weekend saw both sides hold each other scoreless throughout the match, but the Fire had other plans on Thursday. Arthur Bello would put the Fire up early in the 9th minute giving this match an entirely different pace of play from the onset. The Warriors would be quick to answer the Fire's quick start in the 21st minute with a goal of their own. Gian Luca Fink brought the Warriors the equalizing goal, assisted by Lucianno Vera to tie the game at 1-1. The Warriors would get 10 more shots off at goal in the first half, but the score would remain tied going into halftime.
The Warriors continued getting shots off at goal in the second half with nine more shots in the second 45 minutes. A yellow card to Warrior's defender, Rodrigo Catala, gave the fire a free kick opportunity in the 68th minute. Ben Parkinson, the Warriors trusted goalkeeper, would record his only save in regulation on the free kick shot to help keep the score tied late in the second half. Jesus Perez would get the Warriors last shot on target in regulation in the 85th minute but the Fire keeper was there to make the save and force the playoff match in overtime.
The first overtime period started and Perez got a header shot away towards goal but it was blocked by the Fire defense before it could reach goal. Parkinson would record a save just as time expired in the first overtime period, forcing a second overtime between the two sides. The second overtime period did not go as the Warriors had hoped with the Fire taking three straight shots at goal and the fourth would be the decider. Kory Nekoloff found the back of the net for the Fire in the 106th minute to end the match and the Warriors 2024 season.
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