Thursday, November 10, 2011

Christopher Morris headed in a long free kick from Evan Robicheau just 1:19 into overtime lifting 13th-ranked Seattle Pacific to a 2-1 victory against Cal State Dominguez Hills Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Division II West Regional at Interbay Stadium.

The victory sets up the regional final between the Falcons (14-3-2) and Cal State L.A. Saturday at 7. Cal State L.A. came from two goals down in the second half and defeated Chico State in a penalty kick shootout (4-1) after a 2-2 tie at the end of double-overtime.

Morris' goal was his first of the year and the third of his career. He also set up a goal by defender Jon Pearman early in the game.

Seattle Pacific was four seconds away from winning in regulation time, but a close-range shot in the penalty area by Jordan Rover found the back of the net and brought the Toros (12-6-2) from the brink of defeat into a 1-1 tie.

On the game-winner, Robicheau set up his free kick about 35 yards up from the goal line on the right side of the field.

He floated the ball toward the far post, and Morris went up about five yards in front of the net and sent a header just inside the post and into the upper left corner.

Seattle Pacific took the lead when Pearman ripped in a 15-yard shot from inside the penalty area on the right side into the back left corner just 8:45 into the game.