Box Score (GRANVILLE, Ohio) – Senior forward Brian Runyon (Parkersburg, W.Va./Parkersburg) found the back of the net in the 99th minute to lead the Thomas More College men's soccer team to a 3-2 overtime win over Denison University today (Thursday, September 1, 2016) in the season opener at Piper Stadium in Granville, Ohio.
Thomas More took an early 1-0 lead at the 4:52 mark when junior defender Colin Dean (Fort Thomas, Ky./Newport Central Catholic) scored on a header off an indirect free kick by sophomore midfielder Suli Kayed (Union, Ky./Ryle). Runyon increased the lead for the Saints to 2-0 when he scored on a first touch off a cross by first-year freshman Ethan Smith (Columbus, Ind./Columbus North) in the 19th minute.
The Big Red's Jake Girardot scored in the 48th minute to cut the lead to 2-1, but then Jordan Williams scored on a penalty kick to tie the game at 2-2 in the 49th minute.
In overtime, Runyon scored the game-winning goal off an assist by sophomore midfielder Jeremy Staigl (Beavercreek, Ohio/Dayton Carroll) from just inside the 18 on the field.
Sophomore goalkeeper Jeff Paulin (Alexandria, Ky./Bishop Brossart) earned the win in goal as he played all 98:21 and recorded two saves.
Thomas More outshot Denison 16-7, including 6-4 on-goal.
The Saints return to action on Sunday (September 4) when they host Case Western Reserve University in their home opener at BB&T Field in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.
