Late Rally Gives Wooster 2-1 Victory Over Marietta

Brenton Allen

WOOSTER, Ohio – The College of Wooster scored late in regulation and early in overtime for a thrilling come-from-behind 2-1 victory over visiting Marietta College during Tuesday’s non-conference men’s soccer action at a wet Carl Dale Memorial Field.

Down 1-0 with the clock winding down, Wooster (4-0) was on the verge of its first loss of 2006. But, after a series of runs and crosses into the box, the Scots finally converted when Nick Waychoff looped a long pass from the left wing precisely to Steve Fracasso, who was positioned near the right post and headed it in with just 2:41 remaining in regulation. Fracasso, a sophomore transfer, now has three goals for Wooster.

The Scots carried that momentum into overtime, as Brenton Allen provided the game-winner just 4:02 into the first extra session. With the Marietta goalkeeper screened from the action, he drove a shot from outside the box just inside the lower left post. It marked his first goal on the young season.

The Pioneers (1-4) scored the match’s initial goal when Joel Nau dribbled around a couple of Wooster defenders and found an opening inside the lower right post during the 36th minute.

From there, Marietta was on the defensive. The Scots held a 20-7 shot advantage, including 16-2 in the second half and overtime.

Both goalies were solid in the slippery conditions, as Erik Larson made five saves in the win and Thaddeus Cochran tallied nine in the Pioneers’ goal.

Wooster closes its opening five-match homestand this Saturday against John Carroll University (0-2-2) at 3:30 p.m.