Box Score MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) -- After a series of near-misses with four previous shots on goal, transfer student
Bruno Duarte found the back of the net, scoring the equalizer for the Lourdes University men's soccer team in the second half to make it a 1-1 final against Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
"Much better performance overall," said head coach
Matt Jonhson. "Our backline, in particular, made significant strides, looking much more cohesive and defending well. I'm pleased with our response after giving up a goal in the first half, but the team worked hard to find the equalizer and created chances to win it late," he stated.
"It was hard to find a winner, but credit to Bruno for getting on the score sheet. He worked incredibly hard and deserved his goal," Johnson finished.
In the first half, Lourdes was held to just four shot attempts, with three coming before halftime. Senior goalkeeper
Alex Brock played a key role, making four of his total five saves to keep the match within reach for the Gray Wolves.
The 54th minute saw Duarte's determination pay off as he found himself in the right spot, at the right time, evening the score at 1-1 with a tap off a bad touch from the opposing keeper caused by a shot from junior
Breno Quieroz. Despite several close calls and continued pressure from the host team, Lourdes managed to hold firm and secure the draw.
Match Notes:
- The draw marks the first between the two schools in a series dating back to 2018. The Gray Wolves were 0-3 prior to the match, now 0-3-1.
- Duarte was on frame four times before finding the back of the net.
- Two impact players of today's match are transfers as Breno Queiroz comes by way of the NJCAA, spending two seasons at Harry J Truman Community College, while Bruno Duarte arrived at Lourdes after some time at Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference member, Indiana Tech University.
- Alex Brock tallied five saves for the second contest this season, marking the 10th time in his career he has reached this milestone.
- Making his career debut was freshman Ahmed Taleb.
- The Gray Wolves tallied seven shots on goals as a collective. The seven attempts on frame were an up from the three in the season opener, now holding the place of the season's team high.
- The goal marks the first of the season, as well as the assist.
Up Next:
Lourdes will take the pitch in Indianapolis with a meeting at Marion University. The match, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 31, is set to begin at 7 pm.
