The Pratt Community College men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with Northwest Kansas Technical College for their final regular season match in 2018. After rescheduling three separate times due to harsh field conditions and weather, The Beavers and Mavericks competed at Fort Hays State University to settle things on the pitch. Pratt escaped with a victory in an overtime thriller 2-1.
The Beavers' offense was controlled by the captain Francesco D'Aulerio. During regulation time, D'Aulerio scored an equalizing goal for his team only eight minutes before the end of the match.
After the opposing goal keeper stepped outside of the 18-yard box while possessing the ball, Pratt was awarded a free kick. D'Aulerio used the opportunity to bring his team back to life in the conference contest by sending a shot over the defender wall and into goal.
Both teams remained scoreless during the rest of the half. Pratt played a majority of regulation time with 10 men on the field after having a double yellow card send off.
In overtime D'Aulerio came through for the Beaver squad again with another goal. Forward Joe Brett helped produce the score by receiving a goal kick and heading it towards goal for D'Aulerio to possess. With still eight minutes left in the initial overtime period, D'Aulerio booted in the golden goal for Pratt.
The overtime score granted PCC a win which in turn provided them with a postseason opportunity. The victory knocks out Garden City Community College from the playoff picture and makes Pratt the fourth seed in the West half of the KJCCC men's soccer standings.
PCC men's soccer will now participate in the Region VI Tournament. They will go up against No. 6 Cowley County Community College on Oct. 26th. The start of the game will be at 2 p.m.