Box Score
by Kevin Buczek
WILSON, N.C.-The Barton College men's soccer teams scored three second-half goals to rally for a 3-1 Conference Carolinas victory over visiting North Greenville University on Saturday evening during Barton College's Family Weekend.
Sophomore Dante De Luca tied the game on a penalty kick in the 58th minute; classmate Nick Ahlquist scored the late game-winner in the 83rd minute; and junior Archer Bane tallied an insurance goal in the last minute as Barton picked up its first three points in the Conference Carolinas standings.
The Bulldogs improved to 2-4-1 overall and 1-2 in the league. The Crusaders departed at 1-4-1 and 0-3.
The two squads played a scoreless first half. Only one shot on goal was registered before the intermission off the boot of NGU's Ben Montry but Barton junior goalkeeper Vasily Yakimkin made the save. There were several other scoring opportunities by each team with errant and blocked shots and numerous set pieces as 18 of the games 27 fouls were whistled in the opening 45 minutes including four yellow cards on the Bulldogs.
North Greenville took its lead in the 56th minute. Todd Johnston one-timed a crossing pass from the doorstep that Yakimkin was able to save but Johnston was ready for the rebound and immediately dumped in the second chance for his third goal of the year.
Barton trailed for less than two minutes. Freshman Kevin Strassburger was forcefully tackled down inside the left side of the Crusaders box in the 58th minute. De Luca took the ensuing penalty kick and knotted the score at 1-up with a beautiful shot inside the left post and out of reach of NGU netminder Justen Braddock, who dove the correct direction.
The contest remained deadlocked until Bane made a crossing pass from the left plank to a cutting Ahlquist with just over seven minutes left on the clock. The Hubert, N.C., product was able to jump in front of the Crusaders defender and one time the volley off the outside of his right leg and into the back twine.
Barton's defense was able to preserve the lead that was gained on Ahlquist's second goal of 2012 with little trouble because North Greenville played down a man after Will Pickel picked up his second yellow card with just over 19 minutes left.
The Bulldogs really fired up the large home crowd in the last minute. De Luca broke free from the midfield and went in for a potential second goal. His shot was saved but because he kept it low the ricochet was able to roll to the left post where Bane came rushing in to tap in the assurance goal.
De Luca and Bane each had four-point performances. De Luca leads Conference Carolinas with six goals on the season and Bane is tied for second in the league with four scores.
Yakimkin made three stops over 90 minutes of work for his second win protected the Bulldogs cage.
Each team finished with 13 shots and four corner kicks. Barton committed 11 fouls in the first half but played more disciplined soccer in the second half with only one foul.
"After an emotion first half the boys settled down and played a good composed second half of soccer," Barton sixth year head coach Matt Akins said. "There was a great turnout from our fans that provided an electric atmosphere. Thanks to all of our fans and especially our family members as Barton College celebrates family weekend. With 5 of our next 6 games on the road our second half performance gives us tremendous confidence going into this stretch."
Barton will be tested in its next game when the Bulldogs travel to No. 8 NSCAA/Continental Tire Southeast Region ranked UNC Pembroke on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
