CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's soccer team, ranked 24th in the latest NSCAA/adidas Division II National Rankings, played to a 1-1 tie with Franklin Pierce College in a non-conference match Thursday afternoon at Caldwell Field. The Cougars are now now 1-1-1 on the season, while the Ravens are 1-3-1.
After a scoreless first half, Caldwell found the net in the 51st minute. Sophomore defender Asgeir Ofstad (Trondheim, Norway) crossed the ball from the right side to fellow defender Andrew Fraser (Kingston, Jamaica/Wolmer's), who headed the ball to freshman midfielder Kevoi Walters (Clarendon, Jamaica/Clarendon) in front of the goal. Walters, pictured, knocked the ball home for his first collegiate goal to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead.
But the Ravens would tie the game in the 74th minute when forward Tim Pacheco volleyed a cross from Jason Grier in to the goal from about 10 yards out. The Cougars had a golden opportunity to take the lead with just over a minute to play in regulation when sophomore midfielder Nicholas Harriott (St. Catherine, Jamaica/Campion) was taken down in the penalty area. Fraser blasted his penalty kick attempt to the right of Franklin Pierce goalkeeper James Thorpe, but Thorpe made a diving save to preserve the tie and send the game into overtime. Although both teams had scoring opportunities in the two 10-minute overtime periods, neither team could net the game-winner.
Caldwell's senior goalkeeper Mike Turdo (West Paterson, NJ/Passaic Valley) recorded five saves in another solid performance, while Thorpe made 10 saves to keep the Cougars at bay.
Next up for Caldwell is an important Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference match with Holy Family on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m. at Caldwell Field.
CC - 0 1 0 0 - 1
FPC - 0 1 0 0 - 1
Scoring Summary: 1. CC - Kevoi Walters 1 (Andrew Fraser, Asgeir Ofstad), 50:46. 2. FPC - Tim Pacheco 1 (Jason Grier), 73:48.
Shots: CC - 19; FPC - 9
Saves: CC - Mike Turdo, 5; FPC - James Thorpe 10
Corners: CC - 6; FPC - 1
Fouls: CC - 14; FPC - 10
Offsides: CC - 3; FPC - 3
Cautions: CC - Ibarcena (55:37); FPC - Grier (73:48)
