PAINESVILLE, Ohio – Sixth-seeded Findlay upset second-seeded Tiffin 2-1 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Tournament (G-MAC) semifinals Thursday afternoon at Lake Erie College's Campus Field.
Tiffin struck first in the 29th minute when Callum Ellington finished a right-footed strike for his fourth goal of the season. The play originated from a long throw-in by Bailey Winchurch, which was flicked on by Freddie Oliver and Malick Sow to earn a double assist.
The Dragons' lead was short-lived. Tiffin committed a foul inside the penalty box in the 37th minute, and Findlay's Tyson Woodring converted the resulting penalty kick to tie the game at 1-1. Andre Robison nearly restored Tiffin's lead before halftime, but Oilers goalkeeper Ethan Hensley turned away his shot.
Tiffin applied heavy pressure early in the second half, generating four shots and three corner kicks in the opening 10 minutes without breaking through. Findlay capitalized on a breakdown in the 80th minute to net the game-winner. Carson Oberski forced a turnover near midfield from Tiffin defender Tanner Brentlinger, drove downfield, and beat Dragons goalkeeper Nick Cherry one-on-one for an unassisted goal.
Tiffin earned three shots including two on goal and two corner kicks in the final six minutes but were unsuccessful in finding the equalizer.
Findlay edged Tiffin in shots (19-16), shots on goal (10-9), and corner kicks (7-6).
Cherry went the distance in goal and recorded eight saves while Zach Garcia led the team in shots with four.
Tiffin drops to 9-4-6 overall and awaits its postseason fate. The NCAA Division II Tournament selection show takes place Monday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m.
