Two late scores earned the Pratt Community College men's soccer team another conference victory at home. The Beavers played host to Garden City Community College. The two teams met earlier in the season where Garden walked away with a 2-0 win. PCC turned out to be victorious this time around as they avenged themselves with a final score of 3-1.
A stalemate took place for a majority of time. Neither team was able to break away and score until the second half.
The first numbers of the game came after a cross from forward Andrea Migliozzi landed at the feet of teammate Francesco D'Aulerio. The two Italian natives combined for a goal in the forty-sixth minute.
Garden's scoring drought continued until the seventy-first minute. The Broncbusters were able to get the ball in the 18-yard box which helped to secure a shot on target that scored.
Both teams made late attempts to break the tie. Just as it seemed that an extra period would occur, Pratt advanced the ball into the offensive third and worked their way toward the opposing goal. Yves Cherubin made a play at the ball inside the box. A scramble for possession resulted in Cherubin getting fouled. The foul allowed for a penalty kick by the Beavers.
The penalty shot was taken by D'Aulerio who struck the ball toward the left post. The initial attempt was deflected by Garden with an acrobatic one-handed save. Sophomore Scott Clark followed up on the strike and was able to boot it past the keeper to put PCC ahead in the eighty-eighth minute of competition.
Pratt proceeded to park the bus for the remaining two minutes in an attempt to secure the win. Even with victory in sight, the Beavers continued to score. A clearance in the eighty-ninth minute by midfielder Charlie Cartwright put forward Joe Brett on a run towards goal. A lack of defenders allowed Brett to pace his way past the opposition and score. The dagger from Brett came within only seconds of Clark's goal.
"The team worked really hard for the win. It gives us a fighting chance to make the playoffs. Hopefully we can carry on the good form for the last few games of the season," said Clark.
PCC men's soccer will return home on Oct. 6. The Beavers will take on Cloud County Community College at 3 p.m.