ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University men's soccer team picked up a point at Spero Financial Field on Saturday (Oct. 8) with a 1-1 draw against the Coker University Cobras.
The Trojans entered the match with a 2-6-2 record, coming off a 1-1 draw at Tusculum earlier in the week (Oct. 5) and a 3-1 win on the road on Sunday (Oct. 2) at Emory & Henry. Meanwhile for the Cobras, they carried a 3-1-6 record, including not losing a game since August 31st at North Greenville. Most recently, Coker finished in a 1-1 draw at Newberry (Oct. 5) and defeated Catawba 1-0 on September 28th.
The Cobras came out and controlled the tempo in the first half of play, outshooting the Trojans nine to three. Anderson's defensive backline headlined by Ben Lemen, Joao Martinho, and Tiago Perez did a great job limiting the chances for Coker. In the 33rd minute, a foul was called in the box which awarded the Trojans a penalty kick. Senior leader Martinho stepped up and put the ball in the back of the net, giving Anderson the 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
It was more of the same in the second half, as Coker outshot Anderson once again nine to three, combining for an 18-6 advantage on the night. Goalkeeper Amos Uber was outstanding, finishing the night with 10 saves. In the 62nd minute, another penalty kick was given out, this time for Coker. Senior defender Gustavo Palmieri stepped up for the Cobras, equalizing the match at 1-1, with both goals coming off penalties. Perhaps the best scoring chance of the evening came in the 80th minute when Pedro Del Puerto fired a shot from just outside the box, however Coker goalkeeper Jasper Rump made a terrific save to keep the match even at 1-1, ending in a draw.
The Trojans will be back in action on Tuesday (Oct. 11) as they play host to the Mars Hill Lions at Spero Financial Field. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m., with coverage available at www.autrojans.com.
