Spartans Outlast Warriors for Overtime Win

AURORA, Ill. October 25, 2006 - The Aurora University men’s soccer team played a physical and gritty game en route to a 1-0 overtime victory on Senior Day Wednesday afternoon at AU Field.

The Spartans defeated visiting Wisconsin Lutheran College on a goal by junior Scott Anderson in the seventh minute of overtime.

The game started off very physical as both teams played stellar defense throughout the first half. After intermission, Aurora had a near goal called back by an off sides penalty and could not muster any other offense until Anderson's goal in overtime.

Wisconsin-Lutheran’s goalkeeper, Eric Van Dixhorn, had a lot to do with that as he played extremely well all game. His play showed in the final stat line as he amassed 12 saves, compared to just one by Aurora goalkeeper Jon Unruh. Despite Van Dixhorn’s solid play, which made up for Aurora dominating the field position game, the Spartans came out on top in the only stat that ultimately mattered.

The NAC victory marks the 50th victory for AU Coach Pete Watkins as a Spartan.

With the win, Aurora improves to 12-3-4 overall, 8-1 in the NAC and will receive a first round bye in the NAC tournament, while Wisconsin Lutheran falls to 7-9-1 overall and 4-4-1 in the NAC and will travel to either Edgewood College or Concordia University, WI on the opening round match up.