PLYMOUTH – With 2:11 remaining in the game, junior Keith Whittemore received a pass from Semir Mehmedovic and capitalized on the play to score the only goal of the game, lifting Plymouth State University to a thrilling 1-0 double-overtime victory over arch-rival Keene State College on Saturday afternoon at Panther Field in a battle of the only two undefeated men’s soccer teams in the Little East Conference.
Keith Whittemore, who has started in all nine games this season for the Panthers, is now tied with Semir Mehmedovic for most goals this season with five goals each. Semir Mehmedovic, who was recorded with the assist on Saturday evening, earned his team-leading fourth assist.
Plymouth State, ranked 10th in New England, is now 3-0-0 in the LEC and 7-1-1 overall. The win over KSC gave the Panthers sole possession of first place in the Little East Conference. The Panthers also extended their winning streak to four games. Keene State College, ranked 12th in the nation in Division III and second in New England, fell to 2-1-0 in the LEC and 7-3-0 overall. The Panthers were able to put an end to a three-season losing streak to the Owls, and five of the last six PSU-KSC games have gone into overtime.
Both Plymouth and Keene were evenly matched through the entire game. Keene and Plymouth flexed their muscles through much of the game, with each team trying to earn the advantage. The Owls appeared to have the advantage heading into the final minutes of the first half, but couldn’t capitalize. KSC ended the first half with the 7-5 advantage in shots, but came away with nothing heading into halftime.
The second-half opened more optimistically in the Owls’ favor, who seemingly kept the Panther’s offense at bay while Keene managed to shoot six shots, but couldn’t come away with a goal. The Panthers could only muster one shot throughout the entire second half of play.
With the score deadlocked at zero, the Owls and Panthers entered overtime as rowdy Plymouth fans watched in anticipation. Both teams were evenly matched in the first overtime, with the Panthers shooting the only shot. With the score still tied at zero, Keene and Plymouth entered the second-overtime, but this time the Panthers entered strong and hungry. The Panthers offense shut down the Owls as the Panthers secured the victory after Whittemore’s goal.
KSC goalkeeper Cal Mintz played well, making two saves in the losing effort. PSU goalie Tyler Shute, who has started in all nine games for the Panthers this season, earned his third shutout of the year with two saves.
“This sends a message, we’re big boys,” said Rob Wright, head coach of the Panthers this season. “We’ve been here before and the mentality is right, we have to beat them again.”
Plymouth State University will look to extend their four-game winning streak as they continue conference play Sunday, as they will host Southern Maine University on Sunday afternoon at Panther Field at 1 p.m.