Men's soccer ties with 15th ranked Thomas More

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Junior forward Julian Gonzalez, the 11th Tiger to score 30 career goals, scores the first point during the men’s dreary game on the road in Crestview, Ken- tucy Tuesday afternoon. The competition ended in a 2-2 tie after two overtime periods were played.
PHOTO COURTESY RICHARD GOLD

Through a steady rain, the Tigers put up a fight against 15th ranked Thomas More College in a game that would result in a 2-2 tie.

“We're satisfied with the result but also a little disappointed to know that they were a team we could’ve beaten,” said senior midfielder Alieu Musa. “With that being said, we mostly outplayed the 15th team in the nation which just shows how good of a team we are.”

The Saints (8-1-1) were first to get on the board. Taking advantage of the slick surface, Thomas More’s Austin Juniet slipped the ball past senior goalkeeper Chris Yount in the 14th minute.

Minutes later the Tigers (6-1-2) retaliated.

Junior forward Julian Gonzalez tied it up off of a breakaway for his fifth goal of the season, making him the 11th player in the history of the men’s program to score 30 career goals.

Gonzalez was humbled by this achievement.

“It’s a great honor to be reach 30 career goals, but it would have never of happened if I didn't have good teammates helping me,” said Gonzalez after the match.

Late in the second half, junior forward Zach Hoffman managed to get on the scoreboard off an assist from Gonzalez for his fifth goal of the season as well.

It wasn’t until the 88th minute that Thomas More scored their equalizer, sending the match into overtime.

Both overtime periods remained hard fought yet scoreless. The final buzzer sounded, ending the game in a 2-2 tie.

The Tigers are looking to get back on track with a win this weekend, as they return to conference play against Kenyon College (8-0).

While undefeated Kenyon is currently ranked first in the nation, the men are up for the challenge.

 “As a team, we know we can beat Kenyon. If we play the way we know we can, then we will,” said Hoffman.

The men will travel to Kenyon College to face the Spartans on Saturday at 3:45 p.m.