Spring Break
Crosse's Golden Goal vaults Dragons into second
Mike Mazzeo
Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: Sports
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His most recent-and most important-of the season, came at a time Drexel needed it the most.
Crosse connected on a header off a cross from Carlos Ruthner with just 47 seconds remaining in double overtime, netting the Golden Goal and giving the Dragons a 2-1 victory over Northeastern Oct. 22 at Vidas Field.
"It's a huge win," senior defender Bryan Ruff said. "The seniors haven't beaten them [Northeastern] since we started freshman year so it was finally good to get this win."
With the win, Drexel (6-4-4, 4-1-2 Colonial Athletic Association) moved into second place in the CAA behind 5-2 UNC Wilmington. The Dragons have now won three overtime games this season and are unbeaten in their past six contests overall (4-0-2).
"I think we're in a good position right now and we should be able to keep it," Crosse, the team's leader in goals with four, said.
Crosse, a junior forward who missed all but two games last season due to injury, got a perfect ball from Ruthner and cashed in as he elevated over the defense inside the box and headed it into the right side of the net.
"It came in the box and I went for it, simple as that," Crosse said. "[I] just got in there ahead of the keeper. It was a quality ball from Carlos and I had time to put it in."
The Dragons took the lead in the 27th minute when Ruthner followed up his own rebound out in front after receiving a cross from Leland Raum, but they were unable to hold on in regulation.
Mike Kennedy, who was taken down by the Drexel defense inside the box, flipped in a penalty kick to knot the game at one with only 12 minutes left.
The Huskies (5-3-6, 3-1-3) proceeded to dominate the game from that point, getting several quality chances, but Dragons' goalie Cory Robertson-with timely help from the crossbar-came up with save after save to keep the game tied leading up to the thrilling ending.
"I thought it was going to end up in a tie but the guys hung in there," Drexel head coach Lew Meehl said. "If you're around the game enough, you'd be surprised how many games come down to the wire like that."
Northeastern outshot the Dragons 20-17 and had 12 corners compared to just three for Drexel.
Robertson had six saves spanning just over 109 minutes.
Game Notes: Four of Drexel's past five games have gone into overtime. … In eight overtime games this season the Dragons are 3-1-4. … Ruthner now has three goals and two assists.
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