Posted: Sep 05, 2021
Men's soccer draws with Bridgeport
SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - The American International College men's soccer team held on for a 1-1 draw against the University of Bridgeport after conceding a heartbreaking tally with three seconds to play in regulation on Sunday, September 5.
FAST FACTS:
Final Score: AIC 1, Bridgeport 1
Records: AIC now stands at 1-0-1 on the season; Bridgeport sits at 0-1-1
Location: Ronald J. Abdow Field, Springfield, Massachusetts
KEY STATS:
Bridgeport:
Chigozie Okorie: One goal
Ozar Razo: One assist
Clement Anet: Tie (0-1-1), four saves
AIC:
Mathis Pilon St. Louis: One goal
Frans Dao: One assist
Lucas Morales-Fernandez: Tie (1-0-1), three saves
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Both teams played patiently early on, content to just kick the ball around the back; the first shot on goal in the contest came in the 20th minute.
- It took a picture-perfect play for a goal to occur, and AIC found it as graduate midfielder Connor Hicks worked the ball in to graduate forward Josip Validzic. The sure-footed attacker found junior forward Frans Dao breaking between defenders in the box along the right side, and Dao in turn one-touched Validzic's pass to rookie striker Martin Pilon St. Louis right at the penalty spot. The freshman made no mistake in ripping home his first as a Yellow Jacket at 33:30.
- Despite the deficit, Bridgeport did not immediately become more daring offensively in the second; nevertheless, the Purple Knights had the first dangerous bid of the period, a shot off the left post less than four minutes in.
- AIC generated a few chances off of corner kicks throughout the second, but could not find another tally.
- With time ticking down to the last, Bridgeport rushed up the field, and Ozar Razo was able to set up Chigozie Okorie for a shot from the top of the 18 that found the lower right corner of the net just three seconds before the end of regulation, drawing the score level in seemingly impossible fashion.
- Neither team converted any chances in overtime, leaving the game a 1-1 tie.
NEXT UP:
- The men hit the road for the first time as they visit Bloomfield College on Saturday, September 11 at 3:30 p.m.