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Records

Upper Iowa (5-3-1, 2-0-1 MIAA) || Harding (2-4-2, 1-3 MIAA)

Recap

You can call them the comeback kids, the persistent or the pesky peacocks, but don't ever count them out, especially late in a game.

For the second time in just three games, the Upper Iowa Men's Soccer team bounced back from adversity to post a very impressive come-from-behind conference victory at home over Harding University. The Peacocks trailed 3-1 with less than thirty minutes remaining in regulation, but there were no signs of stopping; no signs of defeat. Head Coach Jason Carlson and crew trusted the system and got back to what they do best – that is, playing mistake-free soccer, while pushing the tempo offensively.

That game plan worked to perfection.

UIU notched back-to-back goals to tie the game at 3-3 in the 77th minute, but neither team could seal the win in regulation. As a second overtime period hung on the horizon, the Peacocks acted quickly, notching a game-winning goal in the 99th minute of overtime before storming field in a matter of seconds. Rafael Pedroso started the attack as he found room on the right side. Yet his shot was deflected by the Bison goalkeeper who made a sliding save, catapulting the ball to Leandro Pena on the opposite side of the pitch.

Pena knew he had an advantage with the keeper out of position and without hesitation, the sophomore stuck a dagger in Harding's heart. Pena said afterwards that he could make that 16-yard shot to the far post for the game-winning goal ten out of ten times if he tried. His confidence is almost as deadly as his shot was. The score was Pena's second goal of the 2013 season, but his first game-winner.

The 4-3 overtime victory gives UIU a 5-3-1 overall record this season and a 2-0-1 start in MIAA play. With the loss, the Bison fall to 2-4-2 overall and 1-3 in the conference this year.

For the Peacocks, who have relied on a multitude of talented players at different times this season, the win was proof or evidence. It showed that UIU belongs in the same conference as some of the best soccer teams in Division II. With last Sunday's tie against Lindenwood and Friday's victory over the Bison, the Peacocks have their sights set on more than just an above-.500 season.

But to get to the playoffs, the Peacocks will need to rely on a variety of playmakers throughout the year. That fact was evident on Friday as four different players scored a goal and three Peacocks earned assists. Aaron Calkins was the first to score as he found the net less than four minutes into the game. Rafael Pedroso earned the assist after his breakaway pass left Calkins with an open shot.

Harding could not have earned a better response. The Bison netted three goals before intermission as UIU looked to be digging itself a hole too big to climb out of.

Yet the Peacocks stuck to the plan and slowly chipped away at the Bison defense. First, Rhys Williams got on the board as he netted a penalty kick which was set up by Calkins. It was another 13 minutes later when UIU finally tied the game.  Troy Parker looped a cross into the box from the corner and after the ball ricocheted off multiple defenders, Ryan Pinkerton drilled the ball to the top of the net, tying the game at 3-3.

The teams remained scoreless until overtime arrived. The Peacocks found their chances early and often in the extra ten-minute period, but they couldn't convert until the 99th minute. Finally, Pena and Pedroso attacked the corners and found enough room to make a dent in the scoreboard. Pena's second score this year sent the Peacock bench storming out onto the field as hug and shouts, smiles and high-fives were given out.

Stat of the Game

Although it's only year two in the conference for the Upper Iowa Peacocks, Friday's win marked the first time that UIU is above .500 in MIAA play.

SOUNDING OFF

Head Coach Jason Carlson

What Did You Say to the Team at Halftime… "We really wanted to move some guys around. We had a lot of insight from our coaching staff about moving guys around to help our backline become more organized. I thought Sebastian Smith, who missed a significant amount of time  with an injury, came in and stepped up. He helped get our defense on the same page and that was a big adjustment."

What Changed When the Offense Started Clicking in the Second Half… "I thought we got away from the game plan in the first half. We got away from what we do best, what we know how to do . Everything was going well, but then everything went badly quickly. No one really knew why. But again, like all year our guys fought to get back in the game. I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to come back, but when we got that second goal, you could really start to feel the momentum change."

Getting the Win Against Harding… "Any time you have a conference game, because it carries so much more weight, it's tough to pull off a comeback. Harding is a very good team that has played well against good teams this season. They played both Northeastern State and Fort Hays State in close games. For us to be able to come back and win the way we did, I think it really says a lot about the team and their never say die attitude. They really commit to leaving everything out on the field."

On Having Four Different Goal Scorers… "I think that's just a credit to our team. We had a few opportunities to either tie the game or win it, but our team never got discouraged. We always believed that we would have another opportunity to come back and win it."

On Playing Northeastern State… "They didn't play today like we did, so they will be coming into Fayette pretty fresh. But like last weekend, Lindenwood was also fresh and we played very well against them. I think we have a lot of momentum on our side, so I'm really excited for Sunday's game."

Up Next

The Peacocks will now face one of their toughest tests of the 2013 season. UIU plays host to No. 6 Northeastern State University on Sunday at 1 p.m. on Pattison Field.