Cobb’s Golden Goal Lifts Zizzers Past Bolivar 3–2 in Double Overtime
West Plains erased two separate deficits Wednesday night and finally broke through against Bolivar when Caleb Cobb scored the golden goal in the second overtime, giving the Zizzers a 3–2 road victory. According to the Zizzer Soccer program, it was West Plains’ first varsity win over Bolivar dating back to 2009.
FINAL — DOUBLE OVERTIME
West Plains 3, Bolivar 2
The Zizzers had to earn every bit of it.
Bolivar opened the scoring in the first half, but West Plains settled into the match after conceding the early goal and began matching the Liberators’ intensity.
The Zizzer defense kept Bolivar from consistently getting clean opportunities inside the 18-yard box, forcing the Liberators to take more of their chances from distance.
The back line of Brooks Cobb, Cole Talburt, Jayden Smith, Roman Martinez, David Bevel and Benton Long helped keep West Plains within striking distance, while goalkeeper Hunter Lange delivered several important stops.
West Plains went into halftime trailing 1–0.
Zizzers Answer in the Second Half
A few minutes into the second half, the Zizzers found the equalizer.
Cordale Palmer connected with Hudson Cox, who finished the opportunity to tie the match at 1–1.
Bolivar responded and regained the lead with a shot into the upper corner, putting the Liberators back in front 2–1.
Once again, West Plains answered.
Cameron Miller found freshman Gerson Anariba, who finished with his right foot to bring the Zizzers even at 2–2.
West Plains continued to play with urgency and defensive discipline throughout the remainder of regulation, but neither side could find the deciding goal.
After 80 minutes, the match remained tied.
West Plains Takes Control in Overtime
The Zizzers created several opportunities during the first 10-minute overtime period and kept much of the play in Bolivar’s end of the field, but the game remained tied.
Then came the breakthrough.
Approximately two minutes into the second overtime, Cameron Miller received the ball and played a pass out to the right wing for Caleb Cobb, who was making a run forward.
Cobb took the ball in stride and calmly sent a shot toward the far post.
It found the net.
Golden goal. Game over.
West Plains had its 3–2 double-overtime victory.
Zizzer Scoring
Goals
- Hudson Cox
- Gerson Anariba
- Caleb Cobb — Golden goal, game winner
Assists
- Cameron Miller — 2
- Cordale Palmer — 1
Lange, Defense Come Up Big
While the three goals provided the offensive highlights, the Zizzers also needed a strong performance on the defensive end to stay in the game.
Hunter Lange recorded 10 saves in goal and came through in several important moments.
West Plains’ defensive unit worked to keep Bolivar away from high-danger areas throughout the match, forcing the Liberators to work for their opportunities.
That effort became increasingly important as the match stretched through regulation and into two overtime periods.
The Zizzers ultimately played approximately 100 minutes of physical, fast-paced soccer before Cobb’s winner ended it.
Bolivar entered the night having already won four overtime matches this season, making the Zizzers’ ability to finish the game in extra time even more significant.
For West Plains, the victory was more than another mark in the win column.
It was a comeback.
It was a double-overtime road win against a quality conference opponent.
And according to the Zizzer Soccer program, it ended a long drought against Bolivar stretching back to 2009.
West Plains 3. Bolivar 2. Double overtime.
A memorable night for Zizzer Soccer.
