BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – The Bluefield College men's soccer team took No. 16 Union College into extra time on Wednesday evening, but the Bulldogs claimed a man advantage goal in the 96^th minute to edge out BC, 2-1, in Appalachian Athletic Conference action at Williamson Stadium.
 
Bluefield drops to 6-3 on the season and 4-2 in AAC play, while Union remains unbeaten at 10-0 and 3-0 in AAC meetings.
 
Alex Smith earned the hosts a 1-0 lead at the 10:45 mark, with Jason Jacobs providing the assist for a sliding goal.
 
But, the Rams pulled even in the 35^th minute thanks to Benjy Slator's fourth goal of the season. Dean Johnson served up the assist, finding Slator on the right side of the box.
 
After each team posted just a pair of shots on goal in the second half, the attacking picked up over the final 45 minutes.
 
The Rams threatened early in the second half with a trio of shots in the opening seven minutes, but each attempt was saved by Union keeper Andy Clark. However, Union was also able to put several quick shots on goal, as Jefferson Watson made four saves in the first 21 minutes of the second half, but the score remained knotted at 1-1.
 
Watson came up big once again as regulation wound down, logging three saves in the final seven minutes, including one with less than a minute remaining. The senior keeper held Union in check, though, sending the game to overtime.
 
But, BC entered the extra time a man down, as Matt Jones collected a red card for a high kick in the 88^th minute of regulation.
 
Watson tallied another save on a Union shot just 50 seconds into overtime.
 
However, in the 96^th minute, Smith struck again for the Bulldogs, scoring on an assist from Luke Hitchman for the 2-1 Union win.
 
The Bulldogs held a 19-6 advantage in shots for the evening, with 11 of their shots being on goal. All six of BC's shots on the night were on frame.
 
Watson had a season-high nine saves on the night, eight of which came in the second half and in overtime.
 
Union had three corner kicks to just one for the Rams. Union was called for 10 fouls to BC's seven, while both teams also had a pair of yellow cards.
 
Bluefield continues AAC play on Saturday evening, hosting Milligan in a 7 p.m. matchup at the East River Soccer Complex.