Box Score
by Kevin Buczek
GREENEVILLE, Tenn.-Junior goalkeeper Vasily Yakimkin made a season-high 10 saves to help Barton College earn an impressive 1-1 double overtime tie against Tusculum College on Sunday afternoon at Pioneer Field.
Classmate Archer Bane tied the game in the 66th minute as the Bulldogs picked up the draw against a Pioneers squad that is ranked seventh in NSCAA/Continental Tire Southeast Region Rankings (Sept. 11).
Barton will return to Conference Carolinas play when the Bulldogs entertain North Greenville University on Saturday at 7 p.m. during Barton College's Family Weekend with a 1-4-1 overall record. Tusculum finished the day with a record of 3-2-1.
"The Barton boys rebounded well versus a very talented Tusculum side after a setback Wednesday that could have dampened their spirit going into today's regional match that had us on the road at 5:20 this morning," sixth year head coach Matt Akins said. "We came out sharp and defended well, after a mostly defense half giving up one goal, only to come out and change the tides in the second half. The players were challenged with finishing there opportunities and Archer Bane did just that."
Bane netted the equalizer with 24:25 left in regulation off a scramble for the ball in front of the Pioneers box that was generated off a corner kick taken by senior Richard Worthy. Bane has three goals on the season.
Tusculum took the lead in the first half on a goal by Cody Kammerzell off a quick pass by Stephen McNeill in the 32nd minute.
The Pioneers outshot Barton 19-6 including 4-1 in the two 10-minute overtime periods but Yakimkin stopped Tusculum's final eight shots on frame including a late attempt off the boot of Carter Dorton in the 108th minute. Yakimkin's 10 saves is a new season-best total.
Barton freshman Kevin Strassburger had a great look at scoring the potential golden goal in the first overtime but his shot in the 96th minute just missed wide of the right post.
The tie marked the first draw for Barton in nearly two years. The Bulldogs last tie prior to Sunday was a 2-2 result against Coker College on October 4, 2010.
