JACKSON, Tenn. – The Delta State University men's soccer team played stride for stride against Union University (Tenn.) to earn a well-deserved result under the lights at the Smith Memorial Soccer Complex. After falling behind midway through the second half, the Statesmen equalized in the final stages to finish with a 2-2 tie.
THE BASICS:
Score: Delta State 2, Union 2
Records: Statesmen 4-5-2 (2-4-1 GSC) | Bulldogs 6-4-3 (3-4-2 GSC)
Series: DSU trails the series all-time 4-9-3
Location: Jackson, Tenn.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
- Just 13 minutes into the match, Pablo Herrera scored off an assist from Mathis Hardy for the opening goal.
- Union was awarded a penalty kick in the 31st minute, and Gavin Scott converted to level the match at one apiece.
- Scott struck again in the 65th minute, this time during the run of play, to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 advantage.
- With 11 minutes remaining in regulation, Branden Rogers hit a rocket into the bottom left corner from 25 yards away to draw the Statesmen level at two.
- The Green and White applied pressure on the Union defense late in the first overtime, as Remi Emeriau hit the left post and Eldi Seiti forced a good save from the Union goalkeeper in the 98th minute and 100th minute respectively.
- Tom Toulson nearly grabbed a late winner halfway through the second overtime, but his 106th minute effort caromed off the top of the crossbar.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Delta State and Union generated a ton of chances, but the Statesmen generated more shots (20-18) and shots on goal (12-11).
- Both teams had an even amount of corner kicks as each took seven.
- Mattis Kloepper stood tall in net as he made a season-high nine saves.
- Both squads played physically throughout, as the Bulldogs out fouled the Statesmen 15-10.
- This result marks the first tie between Delta State and Union in three years. Their last tie occurred on Oct. 5, 2018 when they battled to a 1-1 result in Jackson.
UP NEXT:
Delta State returns to Cleveland to host Christian Brothers at Delta Field on Oct. 24 at 3 p.m.