ST. LOUIS— [BOX SCORE] Freshman Jona Oesterling scored the game-winning goal with 15 seconds remaining in double overtime to lead Missouri Baptist (11-4-2, 7-2-1 AMC) over Park University (6-7-1, 5-5-1 AMC) on Wednesday at Spartan Field. The win assured the Spartans the No. 3 seed in the upcoming AMC postseason tournament.
 
The opening half of Wednesday's match lacked early fireworks. MBU recorded the game's first shot on goal by either team with just over 12 minutes before the halftime break. The visiting Pirates had one attempt carom off the post but otherwise didn't trouble MBU keeper Davide Bucarelli.
 
The game would finally turn with a little over four minutes before halftime. Victor Rada was taken down just inside the Park penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot for a PK. Sophomore defender Tommy Struckman stepped forward and delivered a textbook finish into the bottom corner. Struckman's first career goal gave Missouri Baptist a 1-0 halftime lead.
 
The advantage would disappear just a few minutes after the restart, however. Less three minutes into the second half, Park's Mohammed Ndaliro beat Bucarelli to his right to tie the game back up at one.
 
The Pirates remained on the front foot for much of the second half but Bucarelli and the Spartan defense combined for eight second half saves to keep the match level. In addition to scoring his team's first goal, Struckman proved his worth defensively when he cleared a ball off the goal with just over 10 minutes left in regulation. The sophomore would go on to claim 'Man of the Match' honors.
 
The match continued into overtime but the deadlock remained through nearly two full 10 minute golden goal extra periods. It appeared as though it would end in stalemate but as time ticked under 30 seconds, Missouri Baptist launched one final attack.
 
Victor Rada moved the ball forward to Nick Johnson who spotted Jona Oesterling making a breakaway run through the middle. Oesterling controlled the pass and lofted a shot over the head of Park keeper Logan Galvis and into the gaping net with 17 seconds showing on the clock. The German's second goal of the season sent the Missouri Baptist sideline into a frenzy as they mobbed their freshman teammate at the corner flag.
 
"What a gutsy performance," commented MBU Head Coach Jake Alvernia afterward. "They really continue to impress with their work rate and determination."
 
Alvernia was also complimentary of the fight displayed by the opponent, Park.
 
"Park was sensational today," Alvernia noted. "They deserved better but this is what we're fighting for."
 
The Spartans will wrap up the regular season on Saturday at home against Lindenwood-Belleville. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 pm with the senior day ceremony set to take place at halftime. After Saturday, MBU will look forward to the AMC Quarterfinals at Spartan Field on Saturday, November 3 (time TBD).