The Cougars celebrate the game-winner from senior midfielder Oktay Bulut in the overtime win over California Baptist on Saturday.
Photo by Steven Mercado
After a defensive struggle that was tied at zero after regulation, the Azusa Pacific men’s soccer team emerged victorious with the 1-0 overtime victory over California Baptist after senior midfielder Oktay Bulut fired a shot from 45 yards out into the back of the net in the 96th minute. The win puts the Cougars in first place of the Pacific West Conference with a 9-2 conference record.
The Cougars’ eight senior players were honored in the final home game of the season. Six of the seven active seniors started the game and they fought hard for a victory after spending the previous five games on the road.
“It was a really tough game for us with the stretch that we’ve had over the last week with the two trips up north,” head coach Dave Blomquist said. “We’re a little tired, we’re a little beat up, and Cal Baptist played great today.”
The relentless Lancers offense blitzed the Cougars defense, firing 20 shots in the game. The back four, including senior defender Jamarko Washington and senior goalkeeper Jeff Dunn, thwarted every chance Cal Baptist sent their way, finishing with six saves on the game. Dunn made several key saves, including one that rolled toward the middle of the net until Dunn sprawled to his right and grabbed the ball with two hands to prevent the ball from crossing the line for a score.
“They (Cal Baptist) were a step better than us throughout most of the game, but we defended well in the big moments,” Blomquist said. “Jeff made some big saves and Jamarko and Nate were unbelievable in the center back tonight.”
Bulut’s game-winning goal was his ninth goal of the season. Winning a game in sudden-death overtime in which the number one spot of the conference was on the line could not have been more fitting for the seniors’ final home game of their APU careers.
“I couldn’t script it any better with giving the seniors recognition today and for all of them coming up so big,” Blomquist said. “They have done so much over the years for the program. They have put their heart and soul into what we’re doing here and they put their heart and soul into the game today.”
The Cougars (13-4, 9-2) head to San Diego on Saturday, Nov. 9 to face the Point Loma Sea Lions (7-7-3, 5-4-3) for their final game of the season. They look to hold on to first place in the conference and join the women’s soccer team in winning their first PacWest conference title in school history.