NORTHFIELD, Minn. — With a flair for the dramatic, Branden McGarrity (Jr./ Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South) broke the Carleton College men’s soccer career goals record when he tallied the double-overtime game-winner to lift the Knights to the 1-0 victory over visiting University of St. Thomas.

McGarrity’s 36th career goal came in the 106th minute and snapped a tie atop the program’s all-time leaderboard. Tim Wills ’12 was the previous record holder, having scored 35 times for the Knights.
In a twist of irony, Wills wore the No. 8 jersey from 2008-2011 before graduating. The 2012 campaign marked McGarrity’s first year at Carleton, and he was assigned, ironically, the same No. 8 jersey. McGarrrity went on to score 19 goals that fall before adding another 11 last season and six more in 2014.

Wednesday’s victory moves Carleton into a second-place tie with Gustavus Adolphus College in the crowded MIAC standings with just one regular-season match remaining. Both sides generated dangerous chances over the second half, as Carleton goalkeeper Keenan Smith (Sr./Madison, Wis./West) had pair of huge stops and the Knights had a goal waived off by a handball.

Both extra periods were controlled by the Knights, who posted a 6-0 advantage in both shots and corner kicks during overtime. This marked Carleton’s seventh overtime match of the season. Carleton finally broke the deadlock at the 105:27 mark in the match. McGarrity collected a deflection on the right side of the six-yard box and on first touch converted the low-angle shot for the game winner.

“I’ve been so fortunate to play with such a good group of guys for these three years. I owe it all to them, I don’t score goals myself, they are setting me up really well,” said McGarrity. “The numbers don’t mean much to me or us as a team. We are just focused on our next match against St. Olaf.” Carleton hosts crosstown rival St. Olaf Col- lege on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m.