TACOMA, Wash. - - Puget Sound men's soccer fought through a physical battle at Baker Stadium, earning a 2-2 draw against Pacific University in Northwest Conference play.
How it Happened
The first half set the tone right out of the gate. Puget Sound looked to established pressure early, with Jackson Smith rattling a shot just 12 minutes in. The Loggers continued to press, drawing consecutive corner kicks and creating an opportunity again, where Smith fired wide off a set up from the wing.
Despite Puget Sound controlling several spells of play, Pacific struck late in the half to take the lead 1-0 heading into halftime.
The Loggers came out with energy in the second half, immediately pressing into the Boxer's defensive half. Owen Pschigoda force a save low, followed moments later by a shot from Rhys Foote. The pressure paid off in the 63rd minute when a Pacific foul inside the box awarded Puget Sound a penalty kick. Foote stepped up to the spot and calmly buried the equalizer to make it 1-1.
Just five minutes later, Charlie Reisman threaded a pass to Foote, who finished near post to notch his second goal of the day and give the Loggers a 2–1 lead.
The Boxers pushed back in the closing minutes, forcing Logger goalkeeper Mason Allison into action. In the 79th minute, the Boxers earned a penalty kick off their own, which was converted to level the score 2-2.
Puget Sound finished the afternoon out shooting Pacific 12-9, while Allison collected five crucial saves.
"It was another hard fought game today," said head coach Steve Mohn. "I was proud of the way our guys responded after falling behind, showing great character to fight back and take the lead in the second half. Disappointing to concede a late penalty and settle for a draw, but our overall effort and execution gives us a solid foundation to build on as we prepare for another challenging week ahead."
What Happens Next
The Loggers will host their crosstown rival, Pacific Lutheran on Wednesday, September 23rd at 12 p.m.
