Cristian Soto Postgame I Isang Jacob Postgame

INDIANAPOLIS - On a night when wacky was the norm, the IUPUI men's soccer team captured a wild 3-2 double overtime win over Cincinnati at the rain soaked Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Wednesday night (Oct. 15). Sophomore Cristian Soto turned in a goal and an assist and freshman Uriel Macias was credited with the game-winner in the game's 107th minute. 

A wild last few minutes of regulation set the tone for an eventful finish for the Jaguars. With the score tied at 1-1 late in regulation, Cincinnati (3-7-3) went in front in the 88th minute on Will Diebold's first score of the season. Diebold took advantage of an IUPUI turnover and made a long carry through the middle of the field before driving a shot past Eduardo Cortes and inside the right post. Rather than conceding the outcome, the Jaguars created a scoring chance when they earned a free kick just inside midfield with under 90 seconds to play. 

Junior Lance Davis drove the ball into the middle of the penalty box and the referee immediately awarded an IUPUI (4-6-1) penalty kick as a UC defender got tangled with Emmanuel Usen. Davis capitalized on the chance with 1:20 left in regulation, calmly rolling a shot past UC goalie Alex Gill for the equalizer. 

IUPUI had the best scoring chance in the first overtime period when Cameron Knox drilled a gorgeous lead pass to Macias, who's shot flew just high of target in the closing seconds. However, Macias atoned for the misfire less than seven minutes later. 

On the winner, Clint Hoffar played a long throw-in into the UC box with the ball eventually coming to Soto's feet. Soto drove a diagonal attempt through traffic in the direction of the far post where Macias netted his sixth goal of the year and third career game-winner. The goal sparked a wild celebration, giving the Jaguars a modest two-game winning streak heading into Saturday's Summit League contest at Oral Roberts (8:00 p.m. Eastern). 

"It felt great," Soto said of the game-winner. "Last year, they beat us in the last second so it feels good to get that revenge. It's the best feeling."

A year ago, UC beat the Jaguars with one second left in regulation on a scrambled corner kick that led to a walk-off goal. This year with the outcome flipped, IUPUI's new found confidence was palpable afterwards. 

"Guys are coming back," IUPUI Head Coach Isang Jacob said. "We've been hurt - we're just getting healthy. Trust me, when you have everybody and you have the right guys with you, it gives you confidence. This is when we want to peak and I'm excited about it and just hope it continues."

The night started off on an odd foot as Cincinnati's travel issues getting to Indianapolis pushed the start back more than 40 minutes. Once the match got underway, it was Soto who opened the night's scoring in the 21st minute. Sophomore Evan Smith worked past a defender before sliding a pass into harm's way. Usen opted to step over the ball, deking the defense and leading to Soto's crack from the top of the 18. 

UC's John Manga tied the game in the 41st minute on a well-timed volley, created by Emmanuel Appiah's corner kick. 

UC kept the heat on the Jaguars throughout, outshooting IUPUI 22-14 and 13-6 on target. Macias led IUPUI with four attempts and Jonny Williams, who scored at UC last season, had three attempts. Manga led all players with five shot attempts. Cortes made a season-high 10 saves and benefited from a Hoffar stop in the second overtime. Diebold had Cortes beat with a looping header from just inside the 18-yard box, but Hoffar recovered and while sliding, was able to poke the ball wide right of the net, allowing a UC corner kick. The Bearcats were tamed on the restart and the Jaguars celebrated the game-winner just more than a minute later. 

With the win, IUPUI improved to 2-2 all-time against Cincinnati.

Presently sitting fifth in The Summit League's points standings, Saturday's match at ORU (4-6-2, 0-2-1 Summit) is of major importance to both programs. A win would give the Jags' six points in the standings and even with the top two schools, Western Illinois and Fort Wayne. WIU plays at Eastern Illinois on Saturday while IPFW is at Denver.