Sparkill, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Men's Soccer team put opened its 2023 season on Thursday, battling to 3-3 draw with Chestnut Hill College at Spartan Field.

STAC moves to 0-0-1 on the season, while Chestnut Hill also goes to 0-0-1.

In first half action, the visitors from Pennsylvania opened the scoring, as Juan Ortiz fired a shot on frame which was saved by Spartans' keeper Calle Olle Petter Gunnarsson. A loose rebound was scooped up by teammate Diego Cabrera and deposited to the back of the net to give Chestnut Hill a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute.

Just five minutes later, the Spartans squared things at 1-1 on a through ball by Andres Gonzalez-Rios, finding a wide open Alejandro Zuniga who put a shot to the left side of the net, past Chestnut Hill goalie Eran Shifris.

Moments before the first half buzzer, Kevon Evans would break the stalemate on yet another through ball, this time from Alejandro Zuniga, which was deposited to the back of the net on the left side to make it 2-1 STAC.

The Spartans not only led by one at halftime, but also took a 10-7 shots advantage and 3-0 corner kicks margin into the break.

When the teams returned to the pitch for second half action, both squads would have early chances, but it would be Chestnut Hill who re-tie the game, as Juan Ortiz would score off of a turnover by the STAC defense to knot the game at 2-2 with just under 40 minutes to play in regulation.

However, in the 63rd minute, a trip in the penalty area by the Chestnut Hill defense, gave STAC the ability to retake the lead, as a penalty kick was awarded by the officiating crew. Kevon Evans was tasked with taking the PK opportunity and was successful in firing a shot high and to the right side of the net, beating Eran Shifris to put the Spartans back on top, 3-2 with 27 minutes to play.

The final goal of the match would come in the 71st minute by Chestnut Hill, when Juan Ortiz put a shot on frame, which was saved by Calle Olle Petter Gunnarson. Failure to corral a loose ball by Gunnarson, allowed David Cortez to swoop in and finish off the play by putting it to the back of the net to tie the game for a third time, now 3-3.

Both sides would get chances to break the stalemate in the final 19 minutes of action, but time would expire leaving the contest as a draw.

Inside the Box Score

• Kevon Evans tallied the first two goals of his 2023 season on Thursday afternoon.
• Alejandro Zuniga picked up the first goal and assist of his collegiate career.
• Calle Olle Petter Gunnarsson (0-0-1) made his collegiate debut between the sticks, stopping 7 of 10 shots faced.
• STAC outshot Chestnut Hill by a 18-15 margin, with 13 shots going on frame.
• Each team picked up six yellow cards in the match, with St. Thomas Aquinas earning a 26-21 margin in foul calls.

Up Next

St. Thomas Aquinas hits the road, taking on Saint Anselm College in a Sunday afternoon (September 3) affair at Melucci Field. Kickoff between the Spartans and Hawks is set for 1:00 p.m. in Manchester, New Hampshire.