In the 90s, Manchester United’s penchant for securing dramatic victories during added time in the second time became so notorious, it was coined “Fergie Time,” under famed manager Alex Ferguson.
Lately, Orange’s flair for the dramatic has been so apparent, it could garner a nickname of its own.
After R.J. Pherribus (Final Minute Pherribus?) scored with :03 remaining against Chapel Hill last Wednesday, it was hard to imagine something as dramatic the rest of this season, much less the next game.
Then came Monday night against Southern Durham at Panther Soccer Field.
In a game filled with scoring chances on both sides, senior midfielder Luke Wirzba collected a beautiful back angle pass from classmate Ewan McCalum late into overtime. Wirzba finished the chance as the Panthers defeated the Spartans 1-0 for its fifth straight win.
Noah Miller posted his third consecutive clean sheet as Orange took another step towards the elusive winning season. The Panthers are now 8-3-2 overall, 5-1 in the Big 8. Orange is now tied in the loss column with Chapel Hill (6-1) and East Chapel HIll (5-1) for 1st place.
The Panthers are now 5-0-1 at home.
Orange travels to James Armstrong Stadium to face Northern Durham on Wednesday night.
Cedar Ridge bounced back into the win column with a 5-0 victory at Hillside on Monday night. The Red Wolves are now 3-9 overall, 2-4 in the Big 8. The Red Wolves travel to Southern Durham on Wednesday.