CINCINNATI, Ohio
? Bradley junior forward Chris Cutshaw (Carmel, Ind./Carmel H.S.) redirected a pass from freshman Bryan Gaul (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley H.S.) into the net with 17 seconds remaining in regulation, giving the Braves a 2-1 road victory over Xavier at the Xavier Soccer Complex Friday night.
Gaul's pass came from deep outside the Xavier box, sailing over the top of Xavier's back line. Xavier goalkeeper Adam Sokolowski came forward near the top of the box to knock the ball away, but Cutshaw was able to get enough of his foot on the bouncing ball to deflect it past Sokolowski for the game-winning goal. The goal was Cutshaw's fourth overall of the season and second game-winner of the campaign. Cutshaw nearly provided the game-winner earlier in the second half when his header hit the post in the 74th minute.
The Braves narrowly missed setting a new all-time mark for the fewest time remaining after a game-winning goal. Playing against Loyola-Chicago on Sept. 19, 1993, Bradley's Jason Herrera netted the game-winner with 13 seconds remaining. Cutshaw's tally missed the all-time mark by four seconds.
Xavier took a 1-0 lead late in the first half on Ricardo Sutherland's outstanding individual effort. Sutherland was able to control a loose ball near midfield and move his way directly up the middle of the Bradley defense, finishing the attack with a left-footed blast to the top left corner of the net, beating Bradley sophomore goalkeeper Drew Van Kampen (Naperville, Ill./Waubonsie Valley H.S.) with 3:12 remaining in the half. The goal for Sutherland was his first of the season and just the second goal for the Musketeers through the season's first six games. The Musketeers had other chances in the first half, highlighted by a shot from Tommy Clines that hit the post in the 18th minute.
The lead would be short-lived, as Bradley netted the equalizer just 82 seconds into the second half. Freshman forward Christian Meza (Carpentersville, Ill./Dundee-Crown H.S.) challenged for a loose ball inside the box, sending a left-footed volley toward the net from 12 yards out that got past Sokolowski for the 1-1 tie. Meza now has two goals in his first Bradley season.
The Braves outshot the hosts 16-12 for the contest, as eight of Bradley's shots were on goal. Only three of Xavier's shots reached Van Kampen, who recorded his fourth victory of the season. He allowed one goal, making two saves. Sokolowski made six saves in the loss.
The victory improves Bradley's record to 4-2-1, equaling last season's start through the first seven games. The Braves will return home to host Cal State Fullerton on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at Shea Stadium.
