Cougars shock Berea 2-1 in tournament opener

By Dan Stillwell
Register-Herald Sports Writer

BEREA, Ky. — Mountain State University’s first-year soccer team stunned host Berea College 2-1 in overtime Tuesday in the opening round of the NAIA Region 12 Independent Tournament.

Ali Katrib scored a goal in the 99th minute, nailing a free kick from 25 yards out for the fifth-seeded Cougars.

Katrib bent his shot over Berea’s wall of defenders and off the goalkeeper’s hand into the top of the net.

“We went into overtime and we really took charge,” coach John Birkelbach said. “We played our best soccer of the season.”

Mountain State’s other goal was also on a free kick. Max Bendig curved the ball around the wall on the ground in the 63rd minute. Like with Katrib’s goal, the Berea keeper got a hand on the ball but couldn’t stop it.

Fourth seed Berea (2-9) equalized in the 77th minute when a free kick bounced around the box and landed at the feet of Edwin Chiganga, who drilled the shot.

A leaping save by MSU keeper Adam Thompson stopped what looked like a sure Berea goal earlier in the contest.

Thompson finished with six saves. Both teams took 12 shots.

Birkelbach credited his defense for the victory.

“David Spingola (right back), Issac Achaempong (sweeper) and Michel Hiza (left back) possessed real well,” he said. “They started our offense today and shut down Berea’s offense.”

The game was a historic, first-ever tournament win for the 5-10 Cougars, who play No. 1 Brescia University (13-3-2) at 5 p.m. Friday in Owensboro, Ky.

“We played very well,” Birkelbach said. “They made me proud to be their coach.”

Spaulding University and Asbury College, both Kentucky schools, play at 7 p.m. in the other semifinal.