CHESTER, Pa. – The Hood College men's soccer team was able to recover from an early two-goal deficit to end its match against Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth rival Widener University, finishing in a 2-2 draw on the road.
Inside the Box Score
Jonathan Fuentes (Hagerstown, Md./Oakdale) and
Timmy Hill (Stephens City, Va./Sherando) both scored for the Blazers.
Cristian Topovich (Frederick, Md./Oakdale) assisted on Hood's first goal.
Adam Labows (Leonardtown, Md./Leonardtown) made five saves in net.
How it Happened
After losing to the Pride for the past four years, it looked like they might make it five in a row when Widener scored two goals in the first 10 minutes. Although Hood was unable to get a shot until the 30th minute, the shot they did get was a beautiful tip in from Hill off of a Topovich free kick to cut the deficit to just 2-1.
Despite the Pride continuing to put on pressure as the half wound down, the Blazers defense held strong, forcing difficult shots and getting a little bit of help from the posts to head into halftime still down just one.
Coming out for the second half, Hood completely flipped the script by getting the first shot on goal, and continued to create good chances to start the half. A break in on goal for Will Cole threatened to restore Widener's two-goal lead, but Labows came out to make a great kick save and send the ball out of harm's way.
Although the Blazers could not score on two quick shots in the 78th minute, their ability to keep the ball on the Pride side of the field eventually paid off, as a missed clear attempt landed at the feet of Fuentes who rifled the ball into the back of the net to tie the game.
Neither side managed to get another shot on goal with the final 10 minutes of play, with the final buzzer cementing the 2-2 draw.
For the Opponent
Cole and Ryan Toporowski notched goals for Widener.
Tristan Willey made five saves.
Analysis
The Pride outshot the Blazers 17-10.
Widener had a 6-2 edge in corner kicks.
The Pride managed to commit 23 fouls in 90 minutes, while the Blazers were well-behaved with just 11.
Notes
Hood moves to 7-2-2 (1-0-1) to remain unbeaten on the road and in conference, while Widener goes to 1-6-4 (0-0-2).
Up Next
The Blazers return for a home match against Immaculata University Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m.
