An unbelievable 40-yard free kick goal by freshman Nick Ferguson was the difference as the Misericordia men's soccer team defeated conference rival DeSales 2-1 in a hard-fought match played under difficult conditions at Mangelsdorf Field.

A combination of pouring rain and a turf field meant that both teams struggled to maintain possession, so it was no surprise that the eventual decider was a great individual effort. In the 55th minute, Ferguson lined up to take a seemingly innocuous free kick from near midfield and somehow sent a ball over the goalkeeper's head and into the far top corner.

Earlier, the Cougars had gotten off to a perfect start, with freshman Andy Bush sliding the opening goal into the left corner just over two minutes into the match.

The lead lasted less than three minutes however, as DeSales broke down the left side and crossed into the middle, where a Bulldog striker snuck in behind the defense to tie the game at 1-1.

DeSales could have gone ahead in the 15th minute when MU defender Bryan Kulbacki blocked an open shot at the far post that would have otherwise been an easy goal.

Ferguson had a decent low shot that was parried away by the DeSales keeper and then cleared for a corner. A minute later, Joey Scanlon had a dangerous free kick saved.

DeSales picked up their attack after Ferguson's goal. The Bulldogs put a breakaway just wide with 25 minutes to play, then had a goal called off minutes later because the ball had crossed the endline before being served in.

With 19 minutes to play the Bulldogs should have tied the game up, but senior goalkeeper Andrew Loyd made a heart-stopping save, tipping over a DeSales blast from 10 yards out.

The Cougars had their backs to the wall late but began to find transition opportunities and nearly put the game away on several occasions. Ferguson counter-attacked, beat several defenders and shot wide right in the 85th minute. Just after, Bush had a breakaway chance but was unable to dribble around the goalkeeper.

Misericordia held on to the lead, and improves to 8-4-3, 3-1-1 for the season. A spot in the Freedom Conference playoffs will be up for grabs when the Cougars travel to Eastern on Wednesday.

Andy Bush Slots Home the Opening Goal (3rd Minute):

Nick Ferguson Wins it From Long Range (55th Minute):

Andrew Loyd Saves the Game (71st Minute):