Tickets
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- For the second season in a row, the Cincinnati and IUPUI men's soccer teams played a dramatic match, but this time it was the Bearcats who drew the short straw in Indianapolis as the host Jaguars took a 3-2 overtime decision on Wednesday night.
John Manga (Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay) gave the Bearcats an equalizer late in the first half and Will Diebold (Coppell, Texas/Jesuit College Prep) notched what appeared to be a game-winning goal in the 88th minute, but IUPUI converted a penalty kick in the 89th minute before scoring the game winner in the 107th minute.
The setback in the final non-conference match of the season drops the Bearcats to 3-7-3 while the Jaguars improve to 4-6-1. It marked the second straight drama-filled contest between the sides. When the teams met last season, Cincinnati defender Ben Keane (Mount Laurel, N.J./Bishop Eustace Prep) headed home a corner just before time expired to give the Bearcats a 2-1 victory.
// Manga Matters
Manga's scored his ninth goal of the season in the first half. The junior has the most prolific scoring season by a Bearcat since 2007 when Kenny Anaba notched 10 scores. It marks just the second defeat for Cincinnati this season during a match Manga netted a goal. For his career, Manga now has 27 points, thanks to 13 goals and an assist.
// Diebold Hits Nylon
Diebold's run and score to give the Bearcats a brief lead in the 88th minute was the senior's first goal of the season. The midfielder notched a pair of goals last season, including scores against Belmont and Louisville. It also marks the second consecutive year he has recorded a point against IUPUI, as Diebold assisted on Brad Miguel's eighth-minute goal in last season's 2-1 UC victory at Gettler Stadium. For his career, Diebold now has 15 points (four goals, seven assists).
// Scoring Summary
IUPUI 1, Cincinnati 0 - Soto 21'
Cristian Soto gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute after Evan Smith rolled a ball to the top of the box and Soto drove it home.
Cincinnati 1, IUPUI 1 - Manga 41'
Manga netted his ninth goal of the season late in the first half to equalize the match. Emmanuel Appiah volleyed in a corner kick and Manga finished from the top of the six.
Cincinnati 2, IUPUI 1 - Diebold 88'
Diebold notched his first goal of the season after winning an IUPUI turnover an making a long run down the field to score.
Cincinnati 2, IUPUI 2 - Davis 98'
Lance Davis sent the match into extra time when he converted on a penalty kick to equalize the match.
IUPUI 3, Cincinnati 2 - Macias 107'
The Jaguars took advantage of their new life, with Soto dribbling through traffic in the box before finding Uriel Macias. Macias then finished at the far post to give IUPUI the 3-2 overtime victory.
// Up Next
The Bearcats return home for an American Athletic Conference match with Temple on Saturday, Oct. 18. The match begins at 7 p.m. at Gettler Stadium. Tickets start at just $3.00 as UC celebrates Cats-toberfest. For more information, click here.