The Elizabethtown College men’s soccer team faced another Landmark Conference opponent on Saturday, Oct. 24, taking on the Goucher College Gophers at Ira R. Herr Field. Despite establishing an early lead, the Blue Jays found themselves trailing late in the second half before a last-minute penalty kick secured a 2-2 draw.
Goucher entered the contest with a 3-11-2 record and had yet to secure a victory in Landmark Conference play. Etown looked to capitalize on the matchup and strengthen its position in the conference standings.
In just the fifth minute, Sophomore Logan Gisondi found the back of the net following passes from first-yearFreshman Carlos Salazar and jJunior Caba Alvarez. The goal marked Gisondi’s first of his collegiate career and gave EtownElizabethtown an early 1-0 advantage.
Following the opening goal, Etown continued the offensive pressure, creating several opportunities to extend its lead. However, Goucher’s first-yearFreshman goalkeeper Jason Rivera would repeatedly make brilliant saves.
Making his first start of the season, Rivera successfully turned away several Blue Jays’ scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of the first half, preventing EtownElizabethtown from building on its early advantage.
Despite Etown’s continued offensive efforts, neither team managed to find another goal before halftime.
Goucher emerged from halftime with renewed energy, increasing its offensive pressure and challenging Elizabethtown’s defense.
The Gophers finally broke through in the 54th minute when Tiem Kiuy delivered a cross into the box. Jason Green-Adams redirected the ball toward the far post, allowing Mzwandile Honde to finish the opportunity and tie the contest at 1-1.
In the 68th minute, Drew Gentile attempted a free kick that was initially saved. However, AJ Sison capitalized on the rebound, finding the back of the net to give Goucher a 2-1 advantage.
Trailing for the first time in the contest, Elizabethtown faced increasing pressure to respond as the final minutes approached.
The Blue Jays nearly found their equalizer in the 88th minute when Jason Stark chased a bouncing ball near the penalty area. With Rivera moving away from his goal to clear the danger, Stark managed to flick the ball toward the net. However, Goucher’s defense cleared the attempt before it could cross the goal line.
With just over a minute remaining, Junior Manny Velazquez dribbled into the penalty area, maneuvering past two Goucher defenders before being fouled by a third.
The foul awarded Elizabethtown a penalty kick with only 75 seconds left in regulation.
Velazquez stepped forward and converted the opportunity, scoring his first goal of the season and bringing the contest even at 2-2.
Neither team managed another scoring opportunity before the final whistle, resulting in a draw.
Elizabethtown finished the contest with a commanding 18-9 advantage in shots and a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.
The draw moves Elizabethtown to 6-4-7 overall and 2-1-5 in Landmark Conference play. The Blue Jays will conclude their regular season at home against Moravian University on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m.
