BOX SCORE                     PHOTO GALLERY

Belmont, N.C.----Wingate University junior midfielder Zach Machuca (Fair Lawn, N.J.) scored the game-winning goal with 1:35 remaining in the second overtime to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 win over Belmont Abbey College in NCAA Division II men's soccer Wednesday afternoon. The Bulldogs improve to 2-1 overall, while the Crusaders fall to 1-2 overall.

Trailing 1-0 with under seven minutes remaining in regulation, junior midfielder Felippe Imperatriz (Sao Paulo, Brazil) found the back of the net to tie the score at one, sending it to overtime. After a scoreless first frame, Machuca netted his first career goal as a Bulldog to give Wingate the victory.

The game was scoreless after 82 minutes of action. The Crusaders took the lead when John Dandanell scored with less then eight minutes remaining in regulation. The Bulldogs answered exactly two minutes later to tie it.

The game-tying goal from Imperatriz came on a free kick from inches outside the box. He blasted one into the corner for his first goal of the season.

After a scoreless first overtime period, the second overtime went 8:25 without a goal. Junior forward Gui Lima's (Sao Paulo, Brazil) shot was saved by the BAC goalkeeper, but Machuca was there for the rebound, and netted the goal to give the Bulldogs the victory.

Wingate dominated the contest statistically. The 'Dogs outshot Belmont Abbey 22-5, while holding a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. The Bulldogs took 16 corner kicks, while Belmont Abbey had one. Wingate junior goalkeeper Julian Garcia (Flowery Branch, Ga.) had a pair of saves to preserve the victory. Louis Liberatore had seven saves for the Crusaders.

Wingate returns to action Friday, traveling to Florida Tech for a 4 p.m. start. The Bulldogs play at Flagler Sunday at 12 noon.