Bowen’s Late Strike Lifts Red Devils Over Faith Baptist Bible, 4-3

EUREKA – James Bowen (Homer Glen, Ill./Seneca H.S.) scored in the 109th minute, his second goal of the afternoon and the 31st goal of his collegiate career, vaulting the Eureka College men's soccer team to a 4-3 double-overtime victory over Faith Baptist Bible, Thursday night at a sweltering Traister Field.

The win was Eureka's first in overtime since a 3-2 triumph over MacMurray at Traister Field on Oct. 3, 2012. The Red Devils are now 3-6-3 all-time in matches that go beyond 90 minutes. Bowen's match winner at 108:36 was the latest golden goal in program history, topping the previous mark of 107:20 from Mark Meyer in the 2012 win over MacMurray.

Just 84 seconds away from what would have been the fourth draw in program history, Bowen collected a loose ball in the penalty area and ripped a shot past FBBC goalkeeper Daniel Moore to win the match. Michael Hansen (Peoria, Ill./Limestone H.S.) was credited with an assist on the play.

Bowen also opened the scoring when the Red Devils took advantage of an FBBC turnover for a 1-0 lead. Adam Newell (Morton, Ill./Morton H.S.) gathered a rebound at close range and found a wide open Bowen for the early lead at 13:54.

Hansen added a goal of his own 32nd minute on an assist from Bowen. Diego Cintora (Watseka, Ill./Watseka H.S.) also scored a go-ahead goal at 65:56.

Eureka never trailed in the match but also never led by more than a single goal thanks to a herculean effort from FBBC forward Chase Clark. Clark scored all three of the Eagles' goals, all of which forced a tied score, including an 84th-minute strike that forced extra time. Moore made seven saves for the visitors.

Eureka is 3-1-0 through the season's first four matches, tying the 2015 Red Devils for the best four-match start in program history.

The Red Devils will remain home for their next match, a 2 p.m. kickoff versus Emmaus Bible on Saturday at Traister Field.