Bluefield University Athletics

LAKELAND, Fla. - After a cancelled first match against Keiser in the Southeastern University Invitational, the Rams earned all three points in a come-from-behind 3-2 double overtime win over host SEU, Monday in Lakeland, Fla.

Early first half, it was all Bluefield. The Rams had several great opportunities to put the game in-hand, but couldn't find the back of the net.

After the 30 minute mark, the Rams would get on the board off a broken up corner kick. After several chances in the box, a poor clearance would find the ball at Joe Stacey's feet. Stacey took it in stride and struck it into the top corner from outside the box to give the Rams a 1-0 lead going into halftime.

Play was very even for a good portion of the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half, but Southeastern would have a quality spell where Bluefield left their markers and the Fire were able to get two goals in the span of three minutes to take a 2-1 advantage.

The SEU lead would not last long as the Rams would tie the score up 2-2 just 40 seconds later.

Joao Delgado received the ball on the transition, tore through the Fire defense and found Abel Bogale, who placed a beautiful finish in the back of the net for the equalizer.
Rams GK Sven Kleinhans had to make two big stops, one in each half that kept Bluefield in the game. One was within seconds of regulation, which would take the two teams into the overtime period.

Deadlocked at 2-2, the Rams and Fire battled hard through nearly 18 overtime minutes, where Bluefield had a majority of the play throughout both periods. Still scoreless in OT, it looked as if the match would end in a draw until the late heroics of Delgado rescued Bluefield in the end.

With just 1:38 remaining in 2OT, Delgado intercepted a pass from the Fire's backline, then beating a defender to calmly slot home the winner, as Bluefield punched all three points in a tough & hot environment.

The win keeps Bluefield undefeated at 3-0 early in the season. This is the first time in Coach Neidig's head coaching stint at Bluefield that his Rams side has started a season 3-0, and over ten seasons overall for a BC men's soccer program.

Abel Bogale picked up his 4th goal of the season in three games to lead the Rams. Joao Delgado made his first appearance of the season with the game-winning goal and an assist. 

The men's soccer team will continue their time on the road when they head South once again to face Middle Georgia State on Saturday at 1pm in Cochran, Ga.