Rettle's Two Scores Not Enough in Overtime Clash with Elmira

Brody Rettle fielding the ball with an opponent behind him.
Riikka Olson

DELHI, N.Y. (September 25, 2019) – A pair of Brody Rettle free-kick goals accounted for Delhi's scoring against Elmira on Wednesday. While it was enough to force the Soaring Eagles to overtime tied at 2-2, it was Elmira that came out victorious on a penalty kick goal late in the first OT period for a 3-2 decision. The defeat broke a four-match win streak for the Broncos, as they now stand at 4-4 on the season.

Rettle got Delhi on the board first in the 13th minute, delivering his fifth goal of the season off a 25-yard free kick. Elmira had two close chances to tie the game in the last minute of the first half and the first minute of the second. A shot that found the back of the net with under 30 seconds left before halftime was called back for an offsides. The Soaring Eagles were then given a penalty kick opportunity to start the second half following a handball in the box, but Adam Nichols' attempt sailed high above the net.

These close chances, though, set the stage for two straight Elmira goals. Nichols speeded through four defenders to tuck the tying score in at 55:48. He then paired up with Lutho Mlunguza to put Elmira ahead at 58:31, as Nichols fed Mlunguza on a breakaway to take the lead. But Rettle again came through to tilt the game back even for the Broncos, taking advantage of another short-field free kick for the equalizer at 60:51, leading to overtime.

Both sides had several close chances to put their team up, but could not find the mark. With just one minute to play in the first overtime, a Delhi foul in the box during an Elmira cross gave the Soaring Eagles another PK chance, which Mlunguza connected on for the game-winner at 99:03.

Keeper Corey O'Toole logged five saves on the day as Elmira led in shots, 18-15, including 8-6 in shots on goal.

Head coach Brian Mitko's team looks to keep their unbeaten NAC record going this Saturday, hosting conference-foe SUNY Canton at 1:00 p.m. The Broncos are 2-0 in league play.