An overtime goal by Colby Johnson lifted the Greensboro College men’s soccer team to a thrilling 4-3 road win at Averett on Thursday. Johnson’s game winner came 3:28 into the first extra frame on an assist from Joe Peluso.
It was Johnson and Peluso that carried The Pride for much of the game, as both players netted two goals apiece. The second of Peluso’s goals came in the 81st minute of regulation, knotting the game at 3-3 to force overtime. Patrick Hayes set up the equalizer with a cross from the left corner.
The Cougars found the scoreboard first in the 14th minute of the game with a goal by Frantz Joinvil. Johnson answered for Greensboro with an unassisted score in the 27th minute and both defenses clamped down for the remainder of the half to send the game into the break tied at 1-1.
Joinvill added his second goal ten minutes into the second half to put Averett back on top 2-1. The lead lasted for 43 seconds as Peluso beat the keeper for an unassisted goal.
Joinvill was not finished, though, capping a hat trick in the 79th minute to again give the Cougars a one-goal lead. Peluso’s second quick response set-up Johnson’s late game heroics.
The Pride dominated the stat sheet, holding a 23-20 advantage in total shots, including a 15-9 margin in shots on goal. Greensboro also attempted seven corner kicks compared to five for Averett.
Peluso and Johnson tied for the team lead with three shots on goal apiece while Logan Paussa fired two. Woody Wilder picked up the win, turning away six shots in net.
The win improves The Pride to 4-4-4 overall and moves them into a tie for second in the USA South with a 3-1 mark. Greensboro will return home on Saturday against Washington & Lee at 12 p.m.