In the 90th minute of play, Park University midfielder Simon Senfuk sent a ‘wonder-strike’ from nearly 25 yards out into the back of the net propelling the No. 15 Pirates past the Baker University men’s soccer team 3-2 in a thrilling season opener for both teams.

The goal came with just 9.2 seconds left in the match, giving the Wildcats their second straight season opening loss.

Senior forward Travis Moore said the miraculous goal was heartbreaking for the team.

“Basically, we are calling it a wonder-strike,” Moore said. “It was basically unbelievable. It was the kind of goal where you just crack it and pray it goes in. Unfortunately, for us, it went in.”

Park took an early lead in the match when Pirate forward Desmand Yankey was credited with a goal in the 25th minute after his shot was blocked into the net by Baker goalkeeper Alex Burton.

In the 41st minute of play, Baker forward Jon Baldwin found Moore who headed the ball home, evening the match, 1-1.

The Wildcats took the lead ten minutes into the second half when midfielder Josh McDaniel’s header off a set piece found its way into the net.

Park battled back and nearly tied the game in the 75th minute, but Burton came up with an acrobatic save off the foot of Pirate forward Alexander Lima to preserve the ‘Cats’ lead to that point.

Baker held the lead late into the second half, but the Pirates struck twice in the final five minutes of the match.

Park forward Mirsad Dzilic’s penalty kick tied the match with just four minutes 44 seconds left on the clock. Then, Senfuk’s cracker left the ‘Cats with an empty feeling after a 3-2 loss.

Head coach Alan Koch said losing in this fashion always hurts, but he said he saw positive signs from his team.

“It was very, very disappointing and frustrating to lose a match in the last few minutes,” he said. “But I was very proud of our guys for the way they played against a very, very good nationally ranked opponent.”

McDaniel said this game helped show the team it could play with anyone in the country.

“Overall, we played a very good game against a great team,” he said. “We didn’t get the result we wanted, but this should prove to our new guys that we can play with anyone.”

The Wildcats hosted Kansas Wesleyan Thursday at Liston Stadium. Results were unavailable at press time.