Firebirds Men’s Soccer Falls to Bridgeport, 2-1 in Double-Overtime

WASHINGTON, DC  –  Lee Middleton's header goal off of a 30-yard throw-in into the box by All-American Clayton Ulmer in the 103^rd minute of action sent the University of Bridgeport to a 2-1 double-overtime win over the University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team on Saturday afternoon.

"I think we worked hard and showed great intensity," head coach Matt Thompson said. "The guys certainly showed desire and commitment, and I think we had the better chances [to score] throughout the game. It was disappointing to lose in double-overtime, but now we have to pick ourselves up and get ready for Dowling next week."

The Firebirds (3-4-1, 0-2 ECC) out-shot the Purple Knights 21-16 and held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks, but still fell short as they dropped their fourth straight game and fell below .500 for the first time this season. Bridgeport, meanwhile, won their fourth straight game to improve to 4-4 overall.

Christoffer Olesen opened the scoring on the day with a strike from inside the box off of a cross from Luis Fajardo to give the Puprple Knights a 1-0 lead in the 27^th minute. The Firebirds would answer just minutes before halftime as Atunde Akum blasted a shot from just inside the 18-yard box past Bridgeport goalkeeper Augustin Prados for the game-tying goal – his first of the season. Adriel Garcia was credited with the assist.

In the second half, District of Columbia fired five shots on goal, including two by Garcia, but Prados was up to the challenge, making all five stops to preserve the 1-1 tie at the end of regulation. Garcia would also have a breakaway opportunity in the first overtime session but a charging Prados forced a wide shot. The Firebirds once again held a 4-2 shot advantage (2-0 shots on goal advantage) but could not score the golden goal.

Nearly three minutes into the second overtime session, the Puprle Knights would score the game-winner on what was their first shot since regulation.

Prados earned the win with 10 saves and one goal allowed while Firebirds goalkeeper, graduate Omar Gonzalez (Business Administration - Los Angeles, CA/Park View HS) took the loss with four saves and two goals allowed. Garcia took a game-high eight shots (3 on goal) while Bakary Coulibaly recorded four (2 on goal).

District of Columbia has an entire week off before it hosts ECC foe Dowling College on September 29^th at 12 p.m. for its annual "Make a Wish" game. Fans are encouraged to make a $2 donation at the entrance to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.