Irving, Texas – The Centenary men's soccer team scored a pair of second-half goals as the Gents secured a comeback win over the University of Dallas Crusaders in a crucial Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference match on Friday night at the University of Dallas soccer complex.
The Gents (8-5, 3-3 SCAC) won for the first time away from home this season and won their second-straight match after defeating Louisiana College, 6-3, on Monday at Mayo Field. Centenary allowed one goal or less for the ninth time this season and now has its most wins in a season in conference play since becoming a member of the SCAC. The Crusaders dropped to 4-8-1 and 2-3-1 with the loss.
Dallas took a 1-0 lead late in the first half on a goal by Chima Ogueri off an assist from teammate Jose Martinez. That lead stood until the 83rd minute when sophomore Wil Escobar (Cypress, Texas) scored an unassisted goal to tie the match. The goal was Escobar's 10th of the season, which leads the team and was his fourth this week as he recorded a hat trick on Monday against Louisiana College to tie a program record for goals in a game in the current division III era.
Escobar's 10 goals are also the most in a single season in the division III era and he currently ranks in the top five in the SCAC in goals, points, goals per game, points per game and game-winning goals. He has four game-winning goals this season to lead the team and has scored at least two goals in a match three times this season. Escobar was named the SCAC Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week earlier this month following his previous four-goal week.
Two minutes after Escobar recorded the game-tying goal, senior Scott Halper (Franklin Lakes, N.J.) gave the Gents a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute, his third goal of the season and 10th of his career. Junior Greg Petreas (Denton, Texas) was credited with the assist. Sophomore goalkeeper Sami Borchalli (Lafayette, La.) picked up the win and made eight saves as he continued his impressive season. Borchalli entered this week ranked first in the conference in saves per game and shutouts and is second in save percentage and third in saves.
The Gents wrap up the conference weekend on Sunday as they travel to Sherman, Texas to face Austin College at 2 p.m. Centenary defeated the 'Roos 1-0 on Sept. 27 at home. #GoCentenary #CTheOpportunity