Kansas City
Western Illinois
Perez Lifts UMKC Past WIU With Goal In 106th Minute
10/3/2009 10:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Kansas City, Mo. -- The UMKC men's soccer team used a Bryan Perez goal in the 106th minute to claim a 1-0 victory over Western Illinois on Saturday night at Durwood Soccer Stadium & Recreational Field. Perez's strike makes him the school record holder with 22 career goals and it capped off a successful day of UMKC's Homecoming festivities.
After a pre-game stadium dedication, the two teams played to a 0-0 tie over the first 45 minutes. The 'Roos had two solid goal scoring opportunities over the first half as Perez and freshman David Sarabia both had excellent looks. Perez's attempt in the 18th minute sailed high, while Sarabia also chipped a shot high over the bar.
Sarabia again had a chance to put UMKC on top early in the second half. The Miami, Fla., native had a pair of shots in the first 10 minutes of the half. His first attempt missed wide, while WIU goalkeeper Stephen Paterson collected a save on the second shot in the 55th minute. The 'Roos had yet another strong opportunity in the 77th minute on an attempt by Tom Black, but the forward's shot hit the post, keeping the score tied at 0-0.
After playing an additional 10 minutes of scoreless ball through the first overtime, the action picked up. UMKC pushed offensively into Western Illinois' half of the field and attempted six shots over the first five minutes. Paterson gave his team a chance to win when he recorded three saves on consecutive shots by Tom Black, Sean Butler and John Bayron Sosa.
Just when it appeared the game was going to end in a draw, junior Chris Markey sent a ball from midfield over the defense where he found a streaking Perez. The senior gathered the ball in the box, avoided Paterson and headed the shot into the bottom right corner of the net to give the 'Roos the 1-0 victory.
UMKC finished with 24 shots (10 SOG), while WIU had 20 shots with five being on goal. The 'Roos also had the advantage in corner kicks, 9-7.
Junior Ken Cooper recorded his third shutout of the season and the 10th shutout of his career in the victory. The St. Louis, Mo., native made a total of five saves in the victory.
Prior to the game, UMKC dedicated the new Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field. The University and Athletics Department recognized Ray Beagle and Charles Egan of the Durwood Foundation for their contributions and generosity to make the DSSRF possible.
The 'Roos (3-5-1) will hit the road for their next four games beginning with an Oct. 10 match-up at Denver next Saturday night.
