Walker lifts Cincinnati State over Schoolcraft in overtime

By Nick Novy/Cincinnati State Sports Information

Livonia, MI---Cincinnati State sophomore Kevin Walker scored the overtime game winner in a 2-1 road victory over Schoolcraft College on Sunday.
 
Entering the game having never beaten Schoolcraft on the road, Cincinnati State opened the scoring in the 9th minute when sophomore Bradley Gale scored his team leading 12th goal of the season off a pass from Trae Collins. Schoolcraft forward Romario Georgis, the reigning National Player of the Week, scored his 15th goal of the season in the 28th to tie the game at 1-1. For the next 62 minutes of regulation, the score would remain tied as the two defensive units kept the other's offense at bay.
 
Walker would eventually deliver the game winner in the 2nd minute of extra time, taking a pass from Brad Gale and finding the back of the net to give the Surge a 2-1 victory. Walker's goal was his first since returning to the lineup on Oct. 5 after missing 3 games due to a wrist injury.
 
Cincinnati State head coach Mike Combs, who had to make an adjustment to the lineup after the loss of starting defender and team captain Austin Klueh to injury this past week, was pleased with the contributions from sophomore Tucker Beerman and freshmen Austin Root & Okama Thompson.
 
"I thought Okama stepped in and played a great game in an unfamiliar role for us. Austin Root had a solid performance and continues to improve every day," Combs said. "With Austin Klueh out, Tucker Beerman provided leadership, toughness and a physical presence which is needed when you take on a team like Schoolcraft. I consider Beerman to be our man of the match today."
 
The Surge defense allowed just 6 shots on net with starting keeper Ryan Hall making 5 saves.
 
With the win, Cincinnati State improved to 12-1-2 on the season and are currently in 1st place in the regional standings. Schoolcraft fell to 9-5 overall.
 
The Surge, which are currently ranked No. 8 in the NJCAA national poll, return to action when the team hosts Ancilla College on Saturday at 1 pm. 
 
For more information on Cincinnati State soccer, please visit - http://www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/athletics/mens-soccer-1

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