October 16, 2015

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The University of West Florida men's soccer team suffered a heartbreaking defeat, as the Argonauts were able to climb from being down 2-0 with 30 minutes left in regulation to push the game into overtime. With nine seconds remaining in the double overtime period, Alabama Huntsville's Hermann Bjornsson was able to convert on a penalty kick attempt, securing the Chargers' narrow 3-2 victory. With the setback, West Florida now stands at 8-3 on the season with a 2-3 Gulf South Conference mark, while first place Alabama Huntsville improves to 8-4 overall and 6-1 in the GSC.

The Chargers were able to jump out to a 2-0 lead from a 11th minute goal from Guy Clennett and a 56th minute goal coming from a Jordan Wright header. West Florida began to climb out of the hole when Jorge Chirinos recorded his first goal of the game when he collected a Shawn Sanon (Miami Lakes, Fla./Archbishop McCarthy Catholic HS) cross and score from eight yards out.

Chirinos' impressive offensive showing was not done there, as the senior was able to tie the game at 2-2 when he retrieved a Marteinn Urbancic (Reykjavik, Iceland/Commercial College of Iceland) pass and put it away in a wide open net with just 3:28 remaining in regulation.

The Argonauts applied the pressure in the first overtime period, outshooting the Chargers 3-0. UWF did not concede a shot in overtime until Bjornsson was successful on his game-winning penalty kick attempt.  Chirinos recorded a team high five shots, with three of them being on target.

Keeper Jacob Murray (West Palm Beach, Fla./Seminole Ridge HS) suffered his first setback of the season as his record in net falls to 4-1. Murray was able to record two saves on the evening while facing eight Alabama Huntsville shots.

West Florida held an advantage in shots, 10-8, while shots on goal were even at 5-5. UWF also had more corner chances with eight, in comparison to UAH's five.

UWF men's soccer continues its important roadtrip on Sunday, as the Argos take on the current second place team in the GSC with West Alabama. The game against the Tigers is scheduled for a 10:00 a.m. start.

For information on all UWF athletics, visit www.GoArgos.com.