WildCats Rally For a 2-1 Overtime Win In ODAC Quarterfinal Action

LYNCHBURG, Va. --- Sophomore Will Wolf headed in a corner 4:45 into overtime to lift Randolph College to a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Randolph-Macon College in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Tournament action from WildCat Stadium Saturday.

The goal for Wolf was his third of the season, with all three coming on headers. The sequence came after a nice run by Nick Cornell, who earned a corner. Senior Timmy Songer  took the kick and sent it to the back post, where Wolf nailed it home for the game-winner.

Randolph (14-5) was put into the situation of having to come from behind early on in the second half, as Mike Urbanik converted a lovely through ball from Fernando Rochi to make the score 1-0 in favor of the Yellow Jackets (7-7-2). The goal was Urbanik’s team-best fifth of the season.

Minutes later, R-MC missed extending its lead to 2-0 as a header from Brock Barbeau hit the crossbar. The crossbar shot for the Jackets was their second of the game, as Ethan Cornelio clanged one off the woodwork on a free kick in the first half.

The WildCats did not panic though, pressing the offensive tempo after the goal by Randolph-Macon. After a couple flurries of shots, Randolph finally busted through on another corner kick. Cornell nailed a kick to the back post, which was headed twice before Jacob Lusczek  got his head on it for the equalizer.

Shortly after the goal, Urbanik just missed putting his team back on top but an aggressive play by Randolph keeper Carter Smith forced the shot just wide right. Neither team could get anything done over the rest of regulation, sending the game to overtime where Wolf would win it. Randolph is now 5-1 in overtime games this season.

Songer finished with two assists on the evening, setting up both WildCat goals. Smith made two stops in net, but was very good coming off his line to gobble up through balls and dangerous crosses. Randolph took 16 shots in the contests as contrasted to the nine from Randolph-Macon. Randolph also earned a 9-4 edge in corner kicks.

Matty Rocawich made five stops in net for Randolph-Macon, while doubling up the WildCats in the foul category 14-7. The WildCats are now 4-1 all-time against the Yellow Jackets.

The WildCats will now wait and see to whether they will host or go on the road, as they will play the winner of the contest between top-seeded Roanoke College and No. 8 Virginia Wesleyan College. If Roanoke wins, Randolph will head to Salem, but if the Marlins triumph the WildCats will earn a home game. Regardless, the contest will be Tuesday evening in ODAC semifinal action.

This release is courtesy of the Randolph College Sports Information Department.