VIDEO CLIP OF GAME WINNING GOAL
NORTHFIELD, Minn. — With a flair for the dramatic, Branden McGarrity (Jr./Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South) broke the Carleton College men’s soccer career goals record when he tallied the double-overtime game-winner to lift the Knights to the 1-0 victory over visiting University of St. Thomas.
“Great effort by the guys in second half and overtime,” said Carleton head coach Bob Carlson. “It was a fitting way to end it. We had a lot of chances in the OT. I think we deserved a goal and got a great finish by Branden.”
McGarrity’s 36th career goal came in the 106th minute and snapped a tie atop the program’s all-time leaderboard. Tim Wills ’12 was the previous record holder, having scored 35 times for the Knights.
In a twist of irony, Wills wore the No. 8 jersey from 2008-2011 before graduating. The 2012 campaign marked McGarrity’s first year at Carleton, and he was assigned, ironically, the same No. 8 jersey. McGarrrity went on to score 19 goals that fall before adding another 11 last season and six more in 2014.
Wednesday’s victory moves Carleton into a second-place tie with Gustavus Adolphus College in the crowded MIAC standings with just one regular-season match remaining.
Carleton controlled the run of play early in the match before St. Thomas dominated possession over the latter portions of the first half. Both sides generated dangerous chances over the second half, as Carleton goalkeeper Keenan Smith (Sr./Madison, Wis./West) had pair of huge stops and the Knights had a goal waived off by a handball.
Both extra periods were controlled by the Knights, who posted a 6-0 advantage in both shots and corner kicks during overtime. This marked Carleton's seventh overtime match of the season.
Carleton finally broke the deadlock at the 105:27 mark in the match. McGarrity collected a deflection on the right side of the six-yard box and on first touch converted the low-angle shot for the game winner.
“I’ve been so fortunate to play with such a good group of guys for these three years. I owe it all to them, I don’t score goals myself, they are setting me up really well,” said McGarrity. “The numbers don’t mean much to me or us as a team. We are just focused on our next match against St. Olaf.”
Carleton hosts crosstown rival St. Olaf College on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. Live video/stats of the game will be available via Knights Online.
Branden McGarrity collects an attempted clearance by St. Thomas goalkeeper Mitchell Wolff.
Branden McGarrity prepares to take the low angle-shot.
Time to celebrate! (photos by Emily Ross ('17)
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MSOC
SMU-MAC (7:30pm)
WSOC
UST-AUG (7pm)
