PIERRE, S.D. – For most of Saturday’s match, the Spearfish Spartans and Pierre Governors couldn’t find a way onto the scoreboard.
Then everything changed in the final 10 minutes.
Spearfish answered a late Pierre goal with two of its own, including the game-winner from Caleb Verhulst with 2:30 remaining, to earn a 2-1 road victory Saturday at the PILC Soccer Complex.
The win improved the Spartans to 4-2-1 on the season.
Spearfish and Pierre traded scoring opportunities throughout much of the match, but neither side could break through until the Governors finally found the back of the net with 9:15 remaining.
Suddenly trailing 1-0 after more than 70 scoreless minutes, the Spartans didn’t stay behind for long.
Just 32 seconds later, senior Ethan Croff delivered the equalizer, sending a shot into the net with 8:43 remaining to even the match at 1-1.
The Spartans continued to push for the go-ahead goal as the clock wound down.
With 2:30 left to play, Verhulst delivered.
The Spearfish senior found the back of the net for the eventual game-winner, completing the late comeback and giving the Spartans a 2-1 advantage.
Spearfish held off the Governors over the final minutes to secure the road victory and move three games above .500.
The win continued a strong start to the season for the Spartans, who now sit at 4-2-1 through their first seven matches.
Spearfish returns home Tuesday, Sept. 8, when the Spartans host the Belle Fourche Broncs at the Black Hills Power Sports Complex.