Men's Soccer News Releases
Beehler, Morris key 5-4 comeback win over Eureka
Coming up - Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Ashford, Clinton, 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 26, at Coe, Cedar Rapids, 3 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 27, at Knox, Galesburg, Ill., 3 p.m.
Ram rewind - Cornell came out on both ends of two double-overtime decisions at the Sal Vaccaro Tournament, hosted by North Central College Saturday and Sunday in Naperville, Ill.
The Rams endured a 1-0 loss to Mount Mercy in the first round, but recovered in Sunday's consolation match with a 5-4 comeback victory over Eureka. Cornell (3-4) has already equaled its win total from last year, when the Rams finished 3-13.
"Our men showed great resolve this weekend after a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat (to Mount Mercy)," Cornell first-year head coach Derek Bell said. "We put ourselves in position to win both matches. These were great learning opportunities."
Cornell battled back from deficits of 3-1 and 4-3 in the see-saw match with Eureka. Cornell freshman Alex Beehler (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) delivered the game-tying goal with seven minutes remaining in regulation to force overtime.
After a scoreless first overtime period and eight minutes into the second extra session, junior forward Sungeun Kim (Kathmandu, Nepal/Lincoln) finally propelled the Rams to victory with an unassisted goal. Kim's third goal of the season came with 86 seconds left in the final overtime.
Beehler and sophomore defender Michael Morris (Waukee/Waukee) led the Rams' attack with two goals apiece. Joey Vandermause (Madison, Wis./Northland Pines) and Kobina Essandoh (Worcester, Mass./Presec) each added an assist for the Rams, who held a 30-27 edge in shot attempts.
Freshman goalkeeper Ben Alleva (Cary, Ill./Cary-Grove) surrendered only one goal while collecting five saves in 79 minutes of match time. He improved his season record to 3-3.
"Alleva really kept us in the game after we fell behind 3-1," Bell said. "Our guys battled back. It was an entertaining match for the fans."
Alleva worked the entire match at keeper against Mount Mercy, finishing with 17 saves. He hung tough against constant pressure from the Mustangs, who outshot Cornell 33-8. Three of his saves came in the overtime periods.
The Rams nearly avenged a 3-0 home loss to Mount Mercy in the season opener Sept. 2.
Working overtime - The Rams have now been involved in three consecutive double-overtime matches. Cornell prevailed in two of them, including a 2-1 win Sept. 13 at Monmouth (Ill.).
IIAC leaders - Cornell ranks among the Iowa Conference leaders in several team and individual categories. The Rams stand second in team points (5.86 ppg), goals (2.29 gpg) and saves (7.0 spg).
Alleva is tied for the league lead in saves per game with 7.5. He ranks second in save percentage (.804). Beehler is second in points (1.29 ppg) and goals (0.57 gpg). Essandoh is second in shots (3.0 spg) and Vandermause is second in assists (0.57 apg).
