New Haven, Conn. – The Albertus Magnus College men's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with Mount Ida on Saturday afternoon in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play at Celentano Field.
Both of the goals in the contest came during the second half, as the Falcons moved to 5-2-1 overall and 1-1-1 in league action, while the Mustangs are now 4-3-2 on the fall and 1-0-1 in GNAC games.
With the score knotted at one in the second overtime period, Albertus Magnus threatened with a pair of shots from the top of the box, but Mount Ida goalkeeper Riley Ford stood his ground. Late in the frame, the guests had a pair of chances. Neither squad was able to breakthrough and the hotly contested tilted ended in a draw.
Albertus Magnus opened the scoring in the 64th minute courtesy of a strike from senior midfielder Alex Zapata (Hamden, Conn.). Zapata took a feed from junior forward Justyn Broderick (Orange, Conn.) and fired a shot from just outside the 18-yard box that found the back of the net. The tally was the fourth in the last three games for Zapata who has been on a tear since returning from an early-season injury.
Over the next 15 minutes, the Falcons controlled the possesion and had several chances inside the box. Ford made a key save on a shot from inside the box and another AMC attempt sailed wide of target.
With under 10 minutes remaining in the game, Mound Ida knotted the game at one. Senior midfielder TJ Yager played a ball up to striker Juan Brenes who converted for his sixth marker of the autumn. On a 50-50 ball, Albertus Magnus goalkeeper Joe Russo (North Haven, Conn.) came off his line and Brenes chipped it over the keeper and into the twine.
Russo contined his strong play for Albertus Magnus, making four saves. On the opposit end, Ford turned aside 10 shots for the Mustangs.
The contest marked the first tie for the Falcons since September of 2014 versus Norwich. Seven of AMC's eight games have been decided by one goal of fewer, including each of the last six.
The hosts ran their unbeaten streak to four games, while the guests bounced back from a 4-0 midweek setback to Amherst in non-conference action.
Albertus Magnus returns to action on Tuesday, September 27, with a home non-conference clash against in-state rival Western Connecticut. The Falcons are looking to avenge a 2-1 overtime setback against the Colonials last autumn in Danbury.
For the latest information on the men's soccer team and Albertus Magnus athletics, follow AMCAthletics on Twitter and visit AlbertusFalcons.com.
