EASTON, PA. – The Cornell men's soccer team used two late goals to propel itself over Lafayette, 2-1, Friday at Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium.
 
The Big Red advanced to 3-0 on the season, while the Leopards fell to 3-2. This marks just the 11th time since 1946 that the Big Red has started a season with three straight wins.
 
"We knew today was going to be an awkward game," head coach John Smith said. "Lafayette is very athletic and they are good at what they do. We talked all week about following through with that 'next play' mentality, and maintaining patience and belief throughout the game."
 
Down a goal late in the contest, the Big Red appeared to be in danger of dropping its first match of the season. That was until Charles Touche gave the Big Red its first signs of life in the 82nd minute. The sophomore from Albuquerque, New Mexico, corralled in a pass and sent a line drive off the cross bar and into back of the net to even the score at 1-1. The goal ultimately sent the game into overtime.
 
Just over two and a half minutes into the added frame, the Big Red had a golden opportunity. With the goalkeeper behind the play, reigning Ivy League Rookie of the Week had just Lafayette Diego Gomera-Tavarez to beat. Eneli attempted to lift the ball over the charging Gomera-Tavarez, but the defender made a highlight-reel deflection.
 
Minutes later, the Big Red found themselves threatening again. Though, this time they were not denied of the game-winner.
 
Harry Fuller charged to end-line and sent a centering try to John Scearce, who was planted in front of the goal. With one swift motion, Scearce directed the ball into the back of the net with his right foot.
 
"I thought we took the momentum we had from the equalizer into overtime and we were unlucky not to seal the game earlier than we did," Smith said. "John's goal capped off an incredibly gutsy performance from the group."
 
Despite generating three shots in the overtime period, the Big Red only had four other looks the rest of the game. Cornell held the Leopards to five shots.
 
Cornell surrendered the contest's first goal to Lafayette's James Gibson around the midway point of the first half. 
 
The Big Red returns to action on Monday when it hosts Syracuse in its home-opener at 7 p.m.