MIDWAY, Ky. — Saleh Ekuchi found the back of the net with just over two minutes remaining as Midway men's soccer earned its third consecutive victory with a 2-1 win over Governors State on Sunday afternoon at Midway Turf Field.
The victory improved the Eagles to 3-1-2 on the season, while the Jaguars fell to 1-6-1. Midway controlled much of the contest, holding a 12-2 advantage in shots and an 8-1 edge in corner kicks.
Midway created the first chances of the afternoon. Ekuchi sent a header over the crossbar in the 10th minute before the Eagles earned three consecutive corner kicks. Martiniano Sansone put the first shot on goal in the 16th minute, but Governors State goalkeeper Brandon Gonzalez Ayala made the save.
Despite Midway controlling much of the opening half, the Jaguars struck first in the 30th minute. Lexani Gaines scored his second goal of the season at the 29:33 mark to put Governors State ahead 1-0.
The Eagles needed just 46 seconds to respond.
Ekuchi set up George Spencer, who found the back of the net at 30:19 to level the match at 1-1. The tally was Spencer's second of the season, while Ekuchi picked up the assist.
Midway nearly grabbed the lead before halftime when Elijah Orren put an attempt on frame in the 41st minute, but Gonzalez Ayala kept it out as the teams entered the break tied at 1-1.
The Eagles continued to apply pressure after halftime. Spencer forced another save in the 53rd minute, while Midway earned three corner kicks over the next 15 minutes.
Governors State produced its only shot of the second half in the 63rd minute when Elder Perez Cruz put an attempt on frame, but Landon Sorrell made the save to keep the match level.
Midway continued searching for the go-ahead goal. Spencer had an attempt blocked in the 73rd minute before Ekuchi sent a header over the crossbar moments later. Orren then forced Gonzalez Ayala into another save in the 77th minute.
With time winding down, Ekuchi delivered the game-winner.
The senior scored his third goal of the season at the 87:46 mark, breaking the 1-1 deadlock and giving Midway the 2-1 advantage. The Eagles kept Governors State from producing another opportunity over the final 2:14 to secure the victory.
Ekuchi finished with a match-high four shots while recording a goal and an assist. Spencer added three shots, including two on goal, and Orren put both of his attempts on frame. Sorrell played all 90 minutes in goal and made one save to earn the victory.
Midway finished with six shots on goal compared to two for Governors State. Gonzalez Ayala recorded four saves for the Jaguars, while Midway's defense limited Governors State to just two total shot attempts over the 90 minutes.
UP NEXT:
Midway has one more non-conference match before River States Conference play as they host Cincinnati-Clermont Friday afternoon at 1:00 from Midway Turf Field.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletics teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
