MONTGOMERY, Ga— The Thomas University Men's soccer program traveled to Faulkner University for an instant classic and absolute thriller on Wednesday night. The contest featured multiple rain delays, three ejections, seven goals, and plenty of excitement. In the end, Thomas came out on top 4-3 in double overtime.
The night was paused and slowed by a two hour rain delay mid-game, but, despite the rampant weather, kickoff started on-time as both teams created chances right from the start as the Eagles struck first, scoring in the fourth minute.
The Night Hawks instantly responded in the sixth minute, as Midfielder James Hall's corner found Senior Andres Labrada turning Thomas' first opportunity into a goal.
Quickly after the reset, TU midfielder Diego Azar won the ball expertly turning defense to offense finding Freshman forward Regan McLaren on the break beating Faulkner's keeper to push the score to 2-1 in the seventh minute.
Right before the half, Faulkner tied the game in the 43rd minute as Antoine Marquese's shot struck the post resulting in an inadvertent goal off the boot of the TU defense.
Heading into halftime both teams were tied at two a piece, but, quickly out of the break, Faulkner continued to test the Night Hawk backline as Adrien Alexandre scored in the 51st giving the Eagles the lead.
Despite the goal, TU's attack continued to pressure Faulkner leading to the 60th minute, where a PK from McLaren once more found the back of the net for his second of the contest to tie it 3-3.
The game was highly-contested throughout as the teams combined for 31 fouls, and 12 cards.
Tensions continued to heat up near the end of regulation as seven cards (four yellow, three red) were dished out, all in the final 10 minutes of regulation.
As regulation concluded, Thomas went to the break fielding ten, Faulkner nine.
In overtime, Regan McClaren continued to make his presence known as in the 103rd minute, the Scot found Junior midfielder Jack Vikström who netted his first goal of the season to finish the contest.
In the end, Thomas fired ten shots on goal as Senior goalkeeper Josh Ricord held strong in the net recording five saves.
Up next for the Night Hawks will be Thomas's home-opener September 8th, as the team hosts Middle Georgia State.
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by play, and feature stories of your TU men's soccer team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksMSocc.
