PHILADELPHIA, PA. 10/22/2019 – What was at stake was the winner of the game between the University of Pennsylvania Quakers and the Drexel Dragons would earn a share of the Philadelphia Soccer Six championship. If the game was tied, the Villanova Wildcats would get the crown outright.
The steady rain made it look like the game was destined to be a scoreless draw at Vidas Field. And it was after 90 minutes. In the first over time Quaker midfielder Jack Rosener took a pass from Jake Kohlbrenner and directed the ball into the open net at 96:02 to give Penn the victory. The Quakers and the Wildcats will share the top spot in the Soccer Six.
“I’m excited for the guys,” said Penn Coach Brian Gill about winning a share of the championship. “To get an accomplishment like this is rewarding for them. It’s good to see them take pride in the fact that something like this matters. To have an opportunity to have a piece of this is nice for us as a team.”
The weather conditions were miserable. The wet conditions made it difficult to get crisp plays. Still, the teams pressed on. In the first half the Quakers had a chance at the 32:20 mark, but a shot by Joey Bhangdia hit the post and bounced away. An opportunity for the Dragons came six minutes later, but a shot by Chris Donovan sailed over the crossbar.
In the second half Penn had the territorial advantage and had 6 shots compared to one for Drexel. The Red and Blue had two chances in the last six minutes. Brandon Bartel sent to ball toward the goal off a free kick, but Dragons goalie Stephen Kopsachilis flicked the ball away. Less than two minutes later Kopsachilis made a save on a low shot by Ben Stitz. Nearly four minutes later the horn sounded and more soccer was going to be played until Rosener ended it.
“There was good movement up front,” Gill said about the golden goal. “Jake was able to deal with pressure on his back make a turn and a good ball across. Jack did what was asked of him and was there for the finish.”
The Dragons will turn their attention to league play. The next game is against league leader UNCW on the road. Drexel is in the sixth position in the CAA, the last postseason spot. A game with Delaware ends the regular season. Wins could mean a better seeding.
Penn takes the momentum back into Ivy League play as the Red and Blue hosts Yale on Saturday. The Quakers are in fifth place in the Ancient Eight.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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