Late Goal From Philip Persson Leads to 1-1 Draw for Men’s Soccer at Monmouth
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The University at Albany men’s soccer team got a lift from Philip Persson in the 87th minute on a cross from Kit Alexieff to tie Monmouth 1-1.
“We showed some great character tonight to come back from a goal down late in the game,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “Our guys kept working to create chances and got the break we needed. These types of results on the road can be important in a team’s growth.”
Both teams got off to a slow start in the first half. Brandon Wilson registered the first shot of the game in the 17th minute of play, and Pomare Te Anau took the first corner kick with 10 minutes remaining in the first period.
In the second half, momentum started to move Monmouth’s way when Colin Stripling hit the post in the 59th minute. The Hawks took six corner kicks and four shots in the middle 20 minutes of the second period, with the Great Danes failing to earn any corners in the second half. Monmouth eventually converted on a rebound in the 73rd minute to take a 1-0 lead.
Alexieff fired a shot that was saved in the 86th minute, but regained possession for a play across the 18-yard box to Persson. Persson headed the service from Alexieff into the top right corner of the net for the goal.
The teams remained deadlocked in regulation and the game moved into overtime. The Great Danes did not take a shot in either overtime, but the back line successfully defended against seven shots and one corner kick to preserve the tie.
UAlbany returns home on Wednesday, Sept. 25 to Bob Ford Field at 7 p.m., when they take on Siena. The game will be televised on Time Warner Cable Sports.
