HARROGATE, Tenn. - In a competitive game that saw several cards and excellent play on both sides, the Lincoln Memorial University men's soccer team defeated Tusculum by a score of 2-1 in double overtime at the LMU Soccer Complex Monday afternoon. With the victory, the Railsplitters improve to 2-2 in South Atlantic Conference play this spring.

"We were excited to play at home in front of a crowd for the first time in quite a while," head coach Robert Spain noted. "It's huge to get three points today and get back in the race in our group. We now have a quick turnaround to get ready for Mars Hill."

The Railsplitters got their first scoring chance within the first four minutes as Shanden Vergara squeaked behind the defense and got a 1-on-1 opportunity with the Pioneer goalkeeper. However, he pushed the shot just to the right, keeping the contest scoreless. A myriad of physical play ensued afterwards, with several fouls called and not much forward movement for either side.

Vergara managed to get behind the defense once again in the 33rd minute, this time finishing the play off an excellent pass from Will Tidwell. Capitalizing on the opportunity, LMU took what seemed like an insurmountable 1-0 lead as they turned Tusculum away time and time again. At the half, the one goal margin was still in place.

"I thought Shanden was excellent today," Spain noted. "He got behind the defense consistently, which was impressive."

The Pioneers came out in the second half with more aggression, but the staunch LMU defense turned them away time and time again. Robin Hermann saved a rocket in the 58th minute to keep the score knotted, and two other Tusculum shots were off the mark. The Railsplitters went on the offensive shortly after, as a free kick from Vergara saw the keeper make a diving save and tip the ball over the crossbar. After a flurry of touches by both teams, two more LMU shots were blocked as the Pioneers kept themselves in the game.

Tusculum then went on the offensive as their desperation in the last ten minutes of regulation created several chances. In the 86th minute, the Pioneers broke through off an excellent cross from Damien Baltide, tying the score with precious few minutes left until overtime.

The Pioneers dominated possession in the opening extra period, but they were unable to get on the board. Another Hermann save with just over a minute remaining in said period kept the score tied going into the all-important second overtime. 

Shortly after a corner kick a couple minutes into the final period, Tusculum was unable to clear the game and Hunter Oubre capitalized, scoring his first collegiate goal and marking the end of the game. His golden goal gave LMU their first win at home since November 6. 2019 and evens the Railsplitters' conference record.

"Overall, a lot of guys stepped up," Spain said. "That's what you have to do to earn three points, and our resilience showed through in the process. If we continue to improve, we'll be right where we want to be."

The team will look to continue the positive momentum on Thursday, Mar. 25 as they take on Mars Hill for the second time this spring.