Late Goal Lifts Falcons Past Regents

MEQUON, Wis. – The CUW men's soccer team defeated the Regents of Rockford 3-2 in a thrilling match to improve to 4-4-0 on the season and 2-2-0 in conference play.

The Regents struck first, scoring the lone goal of the first half to take the 1-0 lead.

In the 68th minute, junior Alishan Sharipov (Krasnodar, Russia) put in the equalizer off of a ball that entered the box from senior Jacob Fuson (San Diego, Calif.). With the ball in the air, Sharipov, from 10-yards out, put a foot on it to send it over the Rockford goalkeeper's head to tie the game.

Rockford quickly mounted a response in the 70th minute, scoring off a corner kick header to regain the lead, 2-1.

At the 75:03 mark, freshman Vladimir Campos (Milwaukee, Wis.) connected on a cross with fellow freshman Joey Moua (Eau Claire, Wis.). With space on the right side of the field, Campos sent a ball into the box. After a missed clear opportunity from a Rockford defender, the ball found the feet of Moua just outside the six-yard box. Moua then quickly put a foot to the ball and sent it to the back of the net, just missing the hands of the charging Rockford goalkeeper to tie the game 2-2.

Then, in the 85th minute, the Falcons took the lead courtesy of an Alishan Sharipov goal that was assisted by Joey Moua. From near the midfield, Moau played a through-ball to Alishan Sharipov down the middle of the field, which brought the Rockford goalkeeper off his line. Before being taken out by the keeper just inside the 18-yard box, Sharipov got a touch on the ball to alter its direction and go past the diving goalie. Despite Rockford's best effort to clear it, the ball crossed the goal line, giving CUW the 3-2 lead.

The Blue and White would hold Rockford scoreless for the remainder of the game to take the 3-2 win.

In the win, sophomore goalkeeper Jeremy Munoz (Milwaukee, Wis.) totaled two saves. On the offensive side of the ball, Alishan Sharipov tallied four shots on goal and recorded two goals.

Home conference action will continue for the Falcons on Wednesday, Sept. 27, when they host the Green Knights of St. Norbert College.