Springfield, OH – The Heidelberg University men's soccer team suffered a heartbreaking, 2-1, overtime loss at Wittenberg University on a cold, rainy Wednesday night. 
 
The Heidelberg men gained a 1-0 first half advantage over the Tigers, but a late goal in regulation and a set-piece goal in extra time resulted in the Berg's fourth consecutive defeat.
 
A physical contest grew into frustration on both sides as the Student Princes and Tigers combined for seven total cards (6 yellow, 1 red), all coming in the second half. 
 
Despite the result, the Heidelberg attack was more potent on Wednesday night finishing with 15 shots, ten on target, compared to Wittenberg's nine shots, seven on frame. Junior Kelly Itito led the Berg's offensive effort with four shots, three on goal, followed by Hussein Faraj's three shots, one of which fell on target.
 
The opening 27 minutes of the match saw both sides exchange shots on goal, and fouls, until senior Spencer Tredwell earned a 1-0 lead for the tri-color. Evan McAllister connected with the Franklin, Michigan native for his first goal of the campaign, marking MacAllister's team-best second assist.
 
The Student Princes would take the 1-0 advantage into the halftime break, and late into the second half, despite the Tigers attempts to best Berg keeper Sigurd Ilestad.
 
In the closing minutes of regulation, the Heidelberg rearguard and company were unable to clear a tandem of Wittenberg corner kicks, leading to the Tigers untimely equalizer. Wittenberg's Eli Esterline fired a dangerous cross into the Heidelberg box and found the head of Danny Kukanza for the late goal to force extra time.
 
The first period of extra time began with more physical play, leading to a yellow card for Witt's Kees Ciric less than a minute into the restart.
 
Heidelberg troubled the Wittenberg keeper, Jason Bowen, with an attempt from Faraj that sailed high before the Tigers found the late winner.
 
Another well-played set piece from Ciric fell to Andres Mujica who snuck a shot past Ilestad for the match-winner.
 
The loss drops the Student Princes to 3-4 overall, while the Tigers improve to 5-2-2.
 
The Student Princes will look to bounce back on Saturday, September 25 when they host the Albion College Britons in the first half of a men's-women's doubleheader on the turf of Hoernemann Stadium.
 
Kickoff for the men's match is slated for 12 p.m.