Wright State’s historic NCAA run ends with loss by penalty kicks to University of Michigan

Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan.

The Wright State men’s soccer team battled through 110 minutes before a final verdict was decided by penalty kicks in the second round of the NCAA Division I men’s soccer championship Nov. 24 in Ann Arbor.

Through 45 minutes of play, neither the Raiders nor the Wolverines were able to break the score-line. Both teams attempted five shots, but Wright State finished the first half with two shots on goal to Michigan’s zero. Deri Corfe led the efforts for the Raiders in the first half, with three shots (one on goal).

Stefan Rokvic looked to put the Raiders on the board in the 53 minute but ultimately his shot went just wide of the right post. Though both teams battled through 90 minutes, that wasn’t enough as the game headed into golden goal overtime. Two overtime periods also were unable to crown a winner as the match ultimately went to penalty kicks.

Ids Hannema headed to the penalty kick line first for the Raiders, connecting to put Wright State up 1-0. Nebojsa Popovic was up first for the Wolverines and connected with the back of the net making the score 1-1. Deri Corfe connected to give the Raiders a 2-1 advantage before Austin Swiech hit the Wolverines’ second penalty kick. Harvey Slade’s penalty kick was saved by Michigan freshman goalkeeper Owen Finnerty. Derick Broche’s penalty kick gave the Wolverines a 3-2 advantage before Stefan Rokvic tied it up for the Raiders. Jack Hallahan was up next for Michigan, converting on his penalty kick. Jackson Dietrich was the last Raider to head to the penalty spot and converted, but it wasn’t enough as Michigan’s Marc Ybarra sent in the game-deciding penalty kick to give the Wolverines the win.