Box Score A penalty kick by Ivaylo Mantchev in the first 13 seconds of overtime gave the Wabash soccer team 1-0 win over Denison and the Little Giants' first in conference play this season.
 
Both teams had chances in regulation but neither was able to convert those opportunities into a goal. After playing to a scoreless draw through ninety minutes Wabash was awarded the penalty kick just thirteen seconds into extra-time. Mantchev converted the ensuing spot kick, giving the Little Giants their first win since September 17.
 
"It was an incredible effort," Head Coach Chris Keller said. "I think we outworked them. Every fifty-fifty battle we were on top of. Tactically speaking the team did a great job doing what we talked about in practice. How we wanted to defend them and attack them. We were unlucky a couple times where we had a couple chances, but we just need to be a little better in attack. But overall it was a great effort by the whole team."
 
Mantchev's goal was his fourth on the season, tying him for the team lead. Two of Mantchev's other goals have come from the penalty spot as well.
           
"Going in to the shot I was comfortable," Mantchev said. "I've been comfortable all year taking penalties and I haven't missed from the spot. My heart was definitely beating but I knew I had it down."
           
Wabash was out shot by Denison (11-3-2, 4-3 NCAC) by a margin of 12 to 10. Wabash also picked up more fouls and conceded more corners than Denison.
           
Geno James led the Little Giants in shots with three. Blake Jennings, Zach Woloshin, and Riley Pelton also had multiple shots for Wabash.
           
Dayton Jennings picked up the win in the match. He had six saves on the day.
           
Wabash (3-10-2, 1-5-1 NCAC) will travel to arch-rival DePauw on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The nationally-ranked Tigers have suffered three losses in their last five matches.