WPU Upsets #7 Columbia in Overtime
William Penn University Athletics
Oskaloosa–Nenad Markovic (So., Belgrade, Serbia) scored both goals as the Statesmen men’s soccer team knocked off #7 Columbia (Mo.) 2-1 in overtime in non-conference play Tuesday.
In what is believed to be the biggest victory in school history (previous high was against #12 Grand View in 2002), William Penn (2-2-1) defeated a ranked foe for the second year in a row (#25 Grand View last year). Columbia is returning from a national quarterfinals appearance in 2015.
Nenad Markovic (So., Belgrade, Serbia), who finished with six of his squad’s 11 shots, started the day’s scoring at the 20:12 mark. Anfernee Houston (Fr., Harrisburg, Ill., Kinesiology) tallied the assist on the initial goal.
Unfortunately, later in the half, the Cougars (0-3) recorded the equalizer. Both teams had numerous chances in the second stanza, but neither could put another away and the contest went to extra time.
It was the third game in a row that WPU was forced to overtime. The first time the Statesmen tied, the second they lost, but the third was indeed the charm as Cedric Petter (Fr., Aachen, Germany, Business Management) hooked up with Markovic was the game-winner. The sophomore beat the CC goalkeeper to the ball just outside the 18-yard box, tapped it around him, and then slotted a shot into the far corner for the win 6:58 into OT.
Markovic now has a team-high six goals on the 2016 season.
Emannuel Esparza (So., Posen, Ill., Physical Education (K-12)) faced 16 Cougar shots, recording three saves in the win.
“This was one of the best wins in program history,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “A big win like this has been coming for a while; the boys fully deserved the victory. It is a step in the right direction. We will continue to work hard and look to get another positive result on Saturday.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Davenport Saturday to face St. Ambrose in non-conference action at 5 p.m.
