TACOMA, Wash. -- After dropping their match to UC Santa Cruz yesterday, the Loggers bounced back with a 2-2 draw against Wheaton College (Ill.) to finish the weekend with a point.
How it Happened
Both teams took a little bit to ease into the match, as the Loggers got an early chance on a corner kick in the fourth minute. A yellow card on
Alex Haugaard in the 11th minute marked the first booking of the match, and a couple of key saves by
Parker Norris kept the Thunder off the scoresheet early. Wheaton opened up the scoring in the 23rd minute, as the Loggers found themselves down in the match early.
A yellow card on Wheaton's Caden Yamada marked the second booking of the day, and a mass substitution by Wheaton opened up some opportunities for the Loggers.
Taj Fadool had the best opportunity of the day immediately following the subs, putting a shot off the right post in the 33rd minute.
Connor Barnes finally broke through for the Loggers, smashing a goal into the back of the net to level the match at 1 apiece. Just five minutes later,
Hunter Aronson got in on the action, netting his first goal of the season for the squad.
The Loggers took a 2-1 lead into halftime, setting them up for a solid second-half. The Thunder started applying a bit more pressure on the Loggers back line, and eventually broke through in the 66th minute. That goal tied the match, but the Loggers weren't done yet. A goal late in the second half got called back, as the Loggers nearly had a third. Just after, with only 30 seconds left on the clock,
Jackson Smith broke through the Thunder back line and had a fantastic opportunity for a game-winner. The shot missed just left, as the Loggers were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Top Performers
Barnes and Aronson both scored in the first half, while Smith and Fadool also had three shots apiece. Norris and
Luke Mamiya split minutes in goal, each allowing a goal and recording two saves apiece.
Coach's Thoughts
"We played well today," said Logger head coach
Steve Mohn. "Fighting back from being a goal down early, and going up a goal before the half showed the fight we have in our group. I think this is a game we can build from and keep pushing forward!"
What Happens Next
With this draw, the Loggers conclude their preseason play. They will be back in action at home against Lewis and Clark for the beginning of Northwest Conference action. Their match on September 20th is set to begin at 2:45 pm.
