NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Allegheny College men's soccer team dug itself out of a pair of deficits as a goal by freshman
Jorge Olan in his collegiate debut guided the Gators to a 2-2 tie with Virginia Wesleyan University in both teams' season opener this evening.
Allegheny (0-0-1, 0-0-0 NCAC) was outshot by Virginia Wesleyan (0-0-1, 0-0-0 ODAC), 17-10, but managed to keep the same amount of attempts on target (5-5), leading to the deadlocked score. Six different Gators took their chances at net, with junior
Bryce Evans' three shots pacing the team.
The Marlins were the first to strike, finding the back of the net in the ninth minute. Making his first start between the sticks, junior
David Stekla raced to clear a dangerous pass and managed to beat the forward to the ball. However, the touch ricocheted towards Andrew Duenke, who calmly buried it into the open net.
Evans brought Allegheny level in the 33rd minute with a fine volley. A persistent effort kept the ball in the box, eventually finding its way to the feet of the Scottsdale, Ariz. product. After a pass attempt was deflected by the goalkeeper, Evans caught the rebound with his strong foot and ripped it off the right side of the netting.
The 1-1 score wouldn't last long though, as the Marlins' Ben Yount continued playing on after an inadvertent handball and cracked a shot past Stekla.
The Gators almost had their equalizer in the 68th minute when they executed a strong corner kick to the back post. Sophomore defender
Liam McKersie was waiting and headed it towards the bottom right corner, but Jay Fox dropped to his knees to make the save.
Olan would make up for that just two minutes later with his first collegiate goal. Senior midfielder
Liam McNamee fired in a throw from the left side, with it meeting the foot of Fox. The goalkeeper's first touch went to Evans, who then passed it to Olan for a volley from inside the six.
Virginia Wesleyan had the best chance in overtime, but Austin McKenzie's attempt with a minute left in the game didn't have enough bend.
Stekla made two saves for Allegheny, while Evans led the team with three points (1g, 1a).
Allegheny is back in action on Sunday, Sept. 4 against tournament host Christopher Newport University.
