FERRUM, Virginia -- An Erick Nolasco sudden victory goal broke the 0-0 scoreline just 4:50 seconds into the first extra period, as the Panthers topped Bridgewater College at Penn-Roediger Field in their Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) opener. The Ferrum College men's soccer team paid tribute to their late goalkeeper, Cole Lipinski, by starting the match without a keeper as both team stood silent for the first :99 of the game.

RECORDS
Ferrum (2-6, 1-0 ODAC)
Bridgewater (4-5, 0-2 ODAC)

THE BASICS
Bridgewater came out as the main aggressor in the first 45:00 minutes, amassing the only nine shots from either side in the first stanza. The Panther defensive half was able to keep Bridgewater out of the net from the play of keeper William Winters and the Ferrum back line.

The second half saw the Ferrum offense come alive, as the Panthers were inches away from goal on multiple occasions. The Eagles were able to continue the pressure as well, as Bridgewater still collected seven shots, one more than Ferrum.

Neither team was able to find a goal before the full 90:00 minutes was played, so the match was decided by sudden victory. Erick Nolasco played hero again for Head Coach Matt Cureton's squad, as a strike from distance in transition found the top corner of the net to give the Panthers the 1-0 victory.

KEY STATS
Ferrum: Winters (W, 1-3) 95:10 in net, 7 saves; Nolasco 1 goal
Bridgewater: Deutsch (L, 1-2) 95:10 in net, 3 saves

BEHIND THE WHISTLE
"That one was for you Cole. The boys showed incredible fight and togetherness. We started the game fantastic in possession but lost our composure and never really put our foot back on the ball. We need to work on consistency for sure. That's college soccer for you though, sometimes hard work and effort will win you games and that's what happened tonight. I'm really happy for the guys and happier we could represent Cole with fight and honor. He would have done the same." --Head Coach Matt Cureton

UP NEXT
Head Coach Matt Cureton's bunch will be back in action Wednesday, October 6 as they welcome Washington and Lee University to Penn-Roediger Field. The ODAC clash is set for a 7:00 p.m. start under the lights.