MEN’S SOCCER

Junior Jake Erlandson’s PK in overtime lifted the #RV HU men’s soccer team to a 2-1 decision over Lawrence Tech Saturday afternoon at King Stadium. It’s Erlandson’s second straight game-winning penalty kick in as many outings.

The Foresters’ golden goal came just over seven minutes into OT and marked the fourth time these two squads have needed extra time to determine a winner. The two programs have squared off five times since 2014 with HU holding a slight 3-2 advantage in the win column.

Erlandson’s game-winner wasn’t the day’s only freebie as the Blue Devils were the first to crack the scoreboard when Cesar Nunez found back netting on a penalty kick in the 57th minute. Any momentum the visitors gleaned was quickly forgotten five minutes later when Caleb Sexton blistered a shot into the top right corner for a 1-1 stalemate.

While the intensity and emotion ratcheted up, the score remained as is in regulation to force the extra period where Erlandson orchestrated the abrupt ending.

Gabe Greenfield finished with five saves on his way to picking up the win in net.

“I’m proud of the boys for their execution, spirit and their ability to deal with adversity today,” said Coach Lawson. “Lawrence Tech is a quality side that is experience and well coached.

“Both teams pushed and tested each other to the brink. Caleb’s rocket was one of the finest our fans will ever see, and Ben was aggressive drawing the foul for the PK which Jake calmly put away. Once again the team found a way to get another quality result.”

Huntington has strung together four straight victories as they move to 5-1-1 on the year. The Foresters have a quick turnaround as next up is another home match on Monday at 4:00 p.m. with Ohio Northern.