SPARTANBURG, S.C. – One moment of brilliance is all it takes in overtime, and
Markus Gronli delivered in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night at Wofford in overtime.
With the score deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Gronli forced a turnover near midfield and carried the ball across the midline. Then, in a stunning move, he ripped a shot on target. The ball soared majestically through the air, under the cross bar and into the back of the net. His second goal of the season gave Longwood (5-5 overall) a 2-1 win over Wofford (2-8 overall).
"What a goal! Take a bow
Markus Gronli!" head coach
Jon Atkinson said. "The night ended on a great note and one that will buoy the lads. They fought hard from first to last whistle, and they needed to as we were pulled around by a quality team tonight. I can't apologize, as it's how the game can go sometimes. So while Wofford will feel hard done by, you have to tip your cap to the moment of magic that decided the game."
Goalkeeper
Jacob Reimers made Gronli's moment of magic possible with a strong effort in net. He faced 18 shots while making six saves. The back line also helped stand firm, despite rotating seven players throughout the match.
"I can't apologize, as it's how the game can go sometimes," Atkinson said. "So while Wofford will feel hard done by, you have to tip your cap to the moment of magic that decided the game."
With multiple new faces in the starting lineup, the Lancer offense had to be efficient, and it was.
Mikel Abando powered the team's first shot of the game into the back of the net in the 10
th minute, and all six of Longwood's shots were on target in the match. The senior striker leads the Lancers with seven goals on the season.
"We rolled the dice a bit tonight and played a few new faces to freshen us up, and it paid off with a bunch of energy and commitment," Atkinson said.
That energy and commitment held firm even after Wofford evened the score in the 59
th minute off a goal by Austin Tuggle.
"To come off the back of a heartbreaker last week in OT and show the character tonight was incredible to see," Atkinson said. "We know we have a ways to go, and as a young team we are learning through this season what it takes to be successful at this level."
Longwood wraps up a two-match road swing at USC Upstate on Saturday in their third Big South match of the season. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
#GoWood