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GAMBIER,  Ohio --  With winds whipping through Mavec Field on the campus of Kenyon College, the nationally-ranked CNU men's soccer team was held scoreless through the first 85 minutes of action and trailed 14th-ranked Ohio Wesleyan University (17-4-4) in the NCAA National Quarterfinal, 2-0. Then, like the swirling gusts tormenting play all game, the Captains offense shifted into high gear and scored back-to-back goals in the final five minutes to tie the game and force overtime. The dramatic comeback was for naught, however, as the Battling Bishops slipped past the Captains in a penalty kick shootout after the 2-2 draw. 

The weather certainly played a factor this weekend, as the Sweet 16 matchup was postponed by a day due to icy conditions, and whistling winds factored into the Elite Eight battle on Monday afternoon. It wasn't long into the game that Ohio Wesleyan took advantage of the winds, scoring on a header that twisted in the box. Just over three minutes into the match, Kyle Baum saw his first header attempt turned away by CNU goalkeeper Sam Lesko, but rebounded the ball in the wind with a second header on frame for the score. 

The Captains would then find themselves in a 2-0 hole after another quick goal after the halftime intermission. Just over 11 minutes into the second half, Colton Bloecher connected on a penalty kick goal to increase the lead to two with just over 30 minutes remaining. 

For the second time in the 2014 postseason, the Captains were staring at a two-goal deficit in the second half with elimination on the line. The first time, a four-goal burst in the second half saw the Captains advance past Stevens into the NCAA Round of 16. This time, the Bishops defense managed to turn away several CNU runs at goal until the final five minutes. 

In the 86th minute, rookie Henry Gotay slipped a through ball to sophomore Jimmy Grace right in front of the goal, where the second-year midfielder connected to the left side for the Captains first score. With new life, the CNU offense was sparked, and the Captains kept clawing for the equalizer until the final minute. With just 42 seconds showing on the clock, the game-tying goal was found. Gotay again set up the strike, a gorgeous volley out of the air by junior Ryan Balfour from just inside the box.  

The Captains sideline erupted in celebration as the comeback was complete to force overtime. In the first of the extra periods, the Captains held the advantage offensively, taking two shots to Ohio Wesleyan's one. Tries by Tommy O'Neal and Zach Douglass were blocked, however, and the teams went into the second OT. Baum took the only shot on-goal after regulation, but Lesko saved it easily on the right side of the goal. 

With the teams headed for the penalty kick shootout, head coach Steve Shaw called on freshman goalkeeper Mitchell Lagos, for just his second career appearance. Against Southern Virginia University, Lagos played 21 minutes of scoreless soccer between the pipes, picking up one save. 

First, Bloecher knocked home a goal for Ohio Wesleyan, followed by a shot by Sebastian Abrigo saved by Colin Beemiller. Lagos stepped up in a big way for CNU with a save on Brian Schaefer's attempt, and senior Alex Makumbi tied the shootout up at one when he converted the next try. Lonnie Barnes and Jimmy Grace made it 2-2 by trading scores, and Taylor Rieger converted for the Bishops to start the fourth round of shots. Senior Alec Faulkner went left and Beemiller picked up another stop to re-take a lead, setting up the game-winning shot from Evan Lee. 

Despite the valiant comeback, the Captains season ends in the Elite Eight for the fourth time in program history. CNU concludes its season with a 19-3-5 overall record, tying for the program's best run through the NCAA Tournament.