Just over two minutes into the overtime session at the 92:10 mark, De Backer targeted Machado down the middle of the field, who got off a clean shot.
After Machado's shot found the back of the net, an enthusiastic celebration ensued in the middle of the field.
"I got the ball and had a lot of space to run into and saw Rafa turning back a little bit," De Backer said. "Then he went one-and-one with his defender and beat him. He told me before the overtime started 'I'm going to assist you for the game winner', but I guess we just reversed roles."
The Saints moved into a tie for second in the league standings with Grand View University, both schools trailing Clarke College by half a game.
"I'm very proud of this team," AU Head Coach Richard Markham said. "It wasn't the prettiest, but we got in the trenches to get the job done. This is the one win we needed. We worked extremely hard in the second half."
After a scoreless first 45 minutes, the V-Hawks struck on a penalty kick just three minutes into the second half after a hand ball was called in the box. AU junior goalkeeper Nick Roman of Belvidere, Ill., dove to his left, but was just out of the reach of James Lockley's shot.
Machado slammed a shot off the post and freshman Geraldo Garza of Rockford, Ill., trailed the play to knock in his fourth goal of the year for the equalizer in the 63rd minute.
After regulation ended without a winner, the Saints opened with offensive pressure on VU goalkeeper Josh Lines to eventually set up the game winner. De Backer and the Saints didn't want to go into a second overtime, bringing back memories of a double-overtime draw against Mt. Mercy College in AU's conference opener.
"It was the happiest moment of the season so far," De Backer added. "We were winning games, but this was our first big test and good for confidence. Mentally, it's a big boost."
Ashford has another chance to make a big impression tomorrow when it travels to Lamoni for a showdown against perennial NAIA power No. 17 Graceland University. Game time is set for 3 p.m.
