So close, and yet so far.

Twice Tiffin University (4-1-1, 3-1 GLIAC) held late leads against 2nd-ranked Saginaw Valley State (6-0-1, 3-0-1 GLIAC), never trailing throughout the game. But a wild finish in regulation and a goal in double overtime sent the Dragons home with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Paradiso Fields.

Tiffin scored on a free kick by Andre Landell in the 29th minute to take a 1-0 lead into the half. Tiffin held a 7-3 shot advantage at halftime and played a stifling defense.

The Cardinals turned up the intensity in the second half but still could not break through until the 86th minute, when Tyler Channell tied the score off a pass from Craig Neal.

The Dragons regrouped and scored a dramatic goal with just 14 seconds left in regulation when Calin Vadana headed in a pass from Michael McPeek, seemingly giving the Dragons the victory.

But the Cardinals streaked down the field, scoring another tying goal with just 2 seconds left on another goal by Channell, sending the game to overtime.

Both teams had chances throughout the overtime periods but it was the Cardinals that ended it in the 108th minute when Craig Neal took Tyler Stephens's free kick and scooted it over the line for the gamewinner.

Jeremy Ashley took the loss in goal, making 9 saves. TU led in shots 20-17 while corner kicks were even 4-4.