Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza Scores "Golden Goal" in Overtime
2-1 Victory over Texas College in Semifinals
Posted October 26, 2007
FORT WORTH -- Fernando Mendoza was golden for the UTB/TSC men's soccer team, scoring both goals in the Scorpions' thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Texas College in a Red River Athletic Conference semifinal game Friday, October 26, at Martin Field on the campus of Texas Wesleyan University.

The game was tied, 1-1, after the regulation 90 minutes. Tournament rules dictated that any overtime games would be decided by the "Golden Goal" rule, whereby a tie broken by a goal in an overtime signals an immediate end to the game. The rule is similar to the overtime rule used by the National Football League.

Mendoza scored his goal with an assist by Enrique Rivera with 1:42 elapsed in overtime, sending the Scorpions (12-4-1) into the RRAC Tournament championship game at 1 p.m. Saturday against Texas Wesleyan University.

The Scorpions, regular season champs of the RRAC, defeated TWU (9-7-2) by a 1-0 score in Fort Worth September 29.

"The boys were tremendous, we kept our composure out there," Scorpion head coach Dan Balaguero said. "But we can't celebrate, because the game tomorrow is huge. We have a quick turnaround to get ready for the finals."

Texas College scored in the 18th minute on what Balaguero called a "freak goal" and held that 1-0 lead at halftime.

Mendoza scored the first goal as well in the 58th minute with an assist by Marco Malovic, to tie the score, which remained at 1-1 at the end of regulation.

The Scorpions are guaranteed a berth in the NAIA Region VI Tournament Nov. 3-6, but their seed in the tournament, opponent, and site will not be determined until Monday.