UCSB worked double overtime to snap a two-match soccer losing streak, as Charlie Miller’s diving header of an Isamalia Jome cross in the 104th minute beat Penn, 2-1, on Sunday at Harder Stadium.
The Gauchos (3-2) were coming off a pair of 1-0 losses against UCLA and Gonzaga.
Miller and Jome were difference makers in the match for UCSB. Miller, who came off the bench, assisted on the first goal. He headed a cross from Jome that Adis Islamovic finished at the goal line for a 1-0 lead in the 76th minute. It was the first goal for Islamovic.
Penn (2-2) tied the score in the 78th minute when Stephen Baker dribbled in from the right and curled a shot inside the left post, beating Gaucho goalkeeper Josh McNeely.
“The takeaway for me was that we continued to battle and get a result we needed even after we gave up that tying goal,” said head coach Tim Vom Steeg. “Sunday games are always difficult, so we’re grateful that we could have Charlie come off the bench and do what he did.”
UCSB created chances to break the deadlock in the final 8 minutes of regulation. Miller and Reed McKenna had shots go wide and a corner kick was nullified by a foul.
Achille Campion had a header saved by Penn goalkeeper Tyler Kinn in the first 10-minute overtime period.
McNeely made a save on Penn’s Jonny Dolezal just before Miller scored the eventual game winner. McNeely made six saves to earn his second win.
