Columbia, SC – The University of the
Cumberlands men's soccer team scored an early goal to force a 1-1 draw with Columbia International Friday night. It marks
UC's third tie of the season and puts their record at 4-2-3, while Columbia International moved their record to 2-4-2.
Both teams began the game strong as they each had scoring chances within the first six minutes of the contest. Ahmed
Ghatwary recorded two of his game-high four saves within the first six minutes to keep the game scoreless. The first shot on goal for the Patriots came from
Smith Pepper at the 16' mark but
CIU's goalie
Dominik Schleintz was there to make the save.
Ghatwary saved another shot from going in for the Rams midway through the first half. The game remained scoreless until the 39' minute when Pepper sent a free kick into the box to
Joel Caldwell, who headed it into the back of the net to give Patriots a 1-0 lead. UC tried to extend their lead but Max
Aken-Tyers' shot was blocked keeping the game 1-0 at the break.
Just over a minute into the second half, Columbia International took advantage of a Patriots foul as Jed Blanchat headed in a Paul
Grandacarpio free kick to even the score at 1-1.
Filip Milivojevic tried to give
Cumberlands the lead but
Schleintz was there to get the save to keep the score at 1-1 in the 47'. Both the Patriots and CIU looked to get the lead but both goalies recorded a save to keep the game tied and force overtime.
Both defensive continued their strong play into the first overtime limiting the opposing offense to just one shot combined. That shot came of the foot of Grandacarpo in the 97' minute was blocked by the UC backline to force a second overtime. Neither team recorded a shot in the second overtime, but the Patriots Joel
Drewery got off three corner kicks.
The Patriots will return to the field as they start their conference schedule on Tuesday, September 26 at Cumberland University at 4:00 p.m.
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