Panthers Fall in Overtime to #1 Pima Aztecs

Huntsville, AL - The Panthers fall to #1 Pima Aztecs on Golden Goal rules with 6 minutes to go in the second overtime. This marks only the year's second loss for the men's soccer team. 

Pima scored in the 9th minute to take the 1-0 lead and led throughout the first half. The Panthers couldn't get much going in the first period, only accumulating one shot in an intensely fought half. 

The second half told a different story, with the Panthers coming out full-throttle to seize the chance at keeping their season alive. At the end of the first half, an Aztec player received a red card, giving the Panthers a one-up for the second half. With 7 minutes to go, Youseff El Hilaa scored to tie up the game for the Panthers, and Felipe Coehlo followed it up with a goal in the 87th minute to take the 2-1 lead. With 30 seconds left, the Aztecs were on the attack and were pressing in the Panthers' 1/3rd of the field. They ultimately scored with 3 seconds to tie the match 2-2 and send it overtime. 

Overtime rules called for two 10-minute halves, "Golden Goal" style. Not much was happening for either team in the first half of overtime, but still remained a physical match. The Aztecs took the advantage and scored with 6 minutes to go to get the Golden Goal and win the match and ultimately take a strong lead in pool play. 

The Panthers will take on Mississippi Gulf Coast tomorrow morning at 10:15 am CT (11:15 Eastern) to try to remain in play for the National Championship.