The William Jewell College men’s soccer team took down another nationally ranked opponent this weekend. Senior co-captain Allan Nekuda headed in a cross from his younger brother, Kevin Nekuda, to give a 2-1 overtime golden-goal victory over the nationally ranked Columbia College at Greene Stadium on the Jewell campus in Liberty, Mo. Columbia came into the game ranked 19th in the nation.

After a scoreless first half, things got heated. Cardinal junior forward John Barber was shown a red card with 30 minutes remaining, which reduced the Cardinals to only 10 men on the field. Just minutes later, WJC junior defender Justin Park smashed a shot from 25 yards that gave the short-handed Cardinals the 1-0 lead. Three minutes later, Columbia made things interesting with a redirected free kick that resulted in a goal that tied the game at 1-1 at the end of regulation.

Four minutes into overtime, the short-handed Cardinals had a free kick from 40 yards out. Jewell junior midfielder Kevin Nekuda took the free kick and assisted his older brother on the game-winning goal that was celebrated by the entire WJC team and an enthusiastic home crowd.

"Winning this game took a lot of effort from the players," said WJC head coach Chris Cissell. "It takes pride and character to play when you’re down a player and still find a way to win against a quality opponent."

The Cards improved to 5-2 on the season and will travel to Fayette, Mo., Wednesday, September 27, to take on Central Methodist University.

9/23/06
WJC vs Columbia College
2-1 (OT)

WJC Goals:
Justin Park (unassisted)
Allan Nekuda (assisted by Kevin Nekuda)