WPU News
Sun, Aug 30, 2009 - [Men's Soccer]
Nik Rule scored at the 115:20 mark to secure Saturday's victory
Nik Rule scored at the 115:20 mark to secure Saturday's victory

Seward, Neb.--Nik Rule (Sr., Idaho Falls, Idaho, Skyline HS) returned to the pitch for the first time since 2006 Saturday and he made his mark quickly as he scored the game-winning goal to lift the Penn men's soccer team over Concordia (Neb.) 1-0 in double overtime.


Penn (1-0) was knotted in a scoreless tie until the 116th minute when Rule scored on a breakaway at the 115:20 mark.

The senior, who has not played collegiately since 2006, tied Brandon Wood (Sr., Smithfield, Utah, Iowa Western CC) for the team lead with three shots as Penn held a 14-12 edge in shots. After losing that battle 6-1 in the first half, the Statesmen rebounded to own an 11-5 advantage in the second stanza.

Tim Eyer (Jr., Palos Heights, Ill., Shepard HS) and Jacob Plocher (Sr., West Plains, Mo., West Plains HS) added two shots apiece.

Tadeo Cavazos (Sr., Baytown, Texas, Lee HS) had five saves in the shutout.

It is the first time Penn has won its season opener since 2006, having tied its opponents the last two years.

Next: Penn travels to York, Neb. Sunday to face York in non-conference action at 2 p.m.