Rapids fall in consecutive overtime matches

By: Alex Husting

The Columbus Rapids squared off with the Memphis American for the third time in four matches and the matchup on January 8 was the most eventful to date. The Rapids Women’s team could not win two in a row, losing in overtime 3-2 and the Rapids Men’s team also went to overtime, but lost to Memphis 5-4.

The Rapids Women were on the pitch first this time, looking to win their second in a row following last night’s overtime victory. Columbus got on the board first yet again, this time with a Kaliya Eutsey goal, on an assist from Casey Hall. 

The Americans got on the board in the second quarter due to an own-goal from the Rapids, which tied the match up at 1-1. The tie did not last long however when captain of the team Brittney Conway took a shot from the yellow line and found the back of the net to give the Rapids the lead again.

Memphis responded quickly with a goal from Rebeka Pasikazia with just over one minute remaining in the half to tie it once again. 

Pasikazia’s goal was the last one scored in regulation between these two teams and a scoreless second half would lead to overtime for the second straight match. 

The overtime period went back-and-forth early, with a breakaway from Ein Brady nearly resulting in a goal, but a foul was called. Then, at the six minute mark, Kelsey Keown put the ball between four defenders and the goalie to score the winning goal. The Americans Women’s team is back to their winning ways at 3-1 while the Rapids fall to 1-3. 

The Rapids Men were on the pitch next, looking to rebound following a 10-0 loss to the Americans last night. The Rapids were on the board first in this match as well with a goal from Nial Torricelli, the first of his NISL career and the second for the Rapids this season. 

Memphis responded in the second quarter with a brilliant pass from Corey Adamson to Djordje Djordjevic who converted for an easy goal, the only goal of the first half for the Americans.

After dominating the previous matchups, the Americans were in a hard fought contest tonight with a tie as they headed to the locker room. 

The Rapids got a power play to start the third quarter and Brayden Wood took advantage, passing the ball off of the wall, which was deflected by Memphis player Mike Scharf for an own goal to give the Rapids the lead. 

Later in the quarter, the Americans got a free kick during a power play and Corey Adamson scored his first goal of the night to make it 2-2. It was Adamson who scored again later in the third quarter to give the Americans a 3-2 lead and all of the momentum heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Rapids were held scoreless for over 12 minutes until Daniel Duran ended the drought with a goal from the right side, tying it up at 3-3. The Americans responded quickly with a Djordje Djordjevic goal off of an assist from Adamson, making it 4-3 with just over three minutes remaining in regulation. 

With the game on the line and time running out, the Rapids went on the attack yet again, looking to send the game to overtime. With 54 seconds remaining, Clayton Adams sent a cross to Brayden Wood who converted for his second goal of the night and tied it up again, sending the match to overtime . 

The overtime period was a defensive battle as neither team could find a way to score for the first six minutes of play. As the Rapids were looking to go on the attack, Djordjevic stole the ball away and scored again, his second goal of the night and the game winner. The Americans escaped Columbus in a 5-4 victory, their fourth straight win to start the season.

This match was a step in the right direction for the Rapids Men’s team after struggling in the first three matches. After being shutout in the first match of the doubleheader, the team made adjustments and took the game down to the wire, showing improvements in all phases of the game. Now they will go on an eight day break before travelling to Fayetteville to take on the Fury. 

Tickets for that match are on sale here and Rapids season tickets are still on sale here.

The Rapids’ matchup with the Americans is available in its entirety on the NISL Youtube Channel here. 

ABOUT NATIONAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (NISL): 

The National Indoor Soccer League, which has its league office in Georgia, was founded in January 2021 by a group of experienced sports team/league owners with over 40 years of ownership experience. The NISL has plans to grow the league nationally within the next three years and will kick off its inaugural season in December 2021. The league will operate a Men's & Women's division with each market fielding both teams. Fans will be able to watch a men’s and women’s game each gameday.  For more information, go to nislpro.com.