The Quinnipiac Bobcats (2-4-1, 0-0 MAAC) hosted the Yale Bulldogs (0-4-2, 0-0 Ivy League) today, where the Bobcats pulled off a miraculous 1-0 overtime victory to earn back-to-back wins in their last two games. This was the Bobcats last chance to gear up for conference play in their final non-conference game of the season.
Quinnipiac, recording five shots on goal with nine total shots, controlled the first half. The Bobcats did a great job controlling possession in the midfield and in the offensive half of the pitch. Yale was still able to get the ball on net, recording eleven shots of its own, six of which were on target.
The offensive intensity certainly increased in the second half for both sides as both goal keepers were forced to make acrobatic saves in order to keep their hopes for a victory alive. Yale dominated the offensive side of the pitch, especially late in the second half. Senior goalkeeper Borja Angoitia played a tremendous game, recording six saves.
With just under five minutes left in regulation, junior Tanor Jobe was sent off with a red card, after a controversial decision made by the referee.
“I think its harsh…its definitely open for interpretation for the referee which is the tough part because he did put his foot high but I don’t think there was any intent, and for a direct red card you need to have some intent,” Head coach Eric Da Costa said.
Down a man and heading into overtime, the Yale Bulldogs looked to take advantage and earn their first win of the season. However, the Bobcats had plans of their own. In the ninety-eighth minute junior Tobias Esche used his speed to get the ball down the pitch breaking free from defenders before finding a wide open Raphael Carvalho streaking down the side. The senior midfielder blasted the ball past the keeper to earn the Bobcats their second all-time victory against the Bulldogs.
Carvalho nearly had a goal in regulation but the ball deflected off the crossbar.
“It’s big, our entire schedule is structured to help us gain valuable experience so that when we get into conference play, we won’t be surprised by anything. Its difficult to replicate a situation like today, in practice just because you don’t have the same amount of pressure…this was a very positive experience for the team,” said Da Costa.
Although the team has won its last two games, they do not have much time to get ready for conference play. The team needs to shift their focus now to the MAAC, where every game counts.
“It’s just about recovery, its important to get the legs back and regenerate…we went to the bench knowing that Tuesday was more important…we had to make some changes to try to keep some guys fresh,” Da Costa said.
The Bobcats, now 3-4-1, open conference play on Tuesday, Sept. 30 as they play host the Purple Eagles of Niagara.
