Olympia, Wash. – The OUAZ men's soccer team earned a hard-fought road result on Thursday afternoon, battling back from an early deficit to secure a 1-1 draw against Evergreen State at Geoduck Pitch.
The Spirit move to 1-1-1 on the season after outshooting the Geoducks 14-9 and controlling much of the second half despite finishing the final minutes a man down.
Evergreen struck first in the eighth minute when Luca Viana finished a short passing sequence from close range, giving the home side a 1-0 lead just 7:12 into the contest.
OUAZ responded by generating chances throughout the opening half. The Spirit recorded four corner kicks in the first period and nearly found an equalizer in the 41st minute when Marcos Chavez put a header on target, but Evergreen's defense came up with a team save to preserve the lead heading into halftime.
The visitors carried their momentum into the second half and finally broke through in the 51st minute. Carlos Rodriguez found Daniel Coke, who buried a shot from eight yards out into the lower left corner for his first goal of the season, leveling the match at 1-1.
The Spirit continued to press for the go-ahead goal after the equalizer. Coke threatened again in the 72nd minute when OUAZ was awarded a penalty kick, but Evergreen goalkeeper Rico Ewell made the save to keep the score tied.
Despite dominating possession and chances in the second half, the Spirit were forced to defend late after Thomas Berlinski received a red card in the 81st minute. OUAZ held firm over the final 10 minutes, allowing just two Evergreen shots the rest of the way to secure the draw.
OUAZ finished with a 14-9 advantage in shots, including a 6-2 edge in shots on goal, and earned six corner kicks compared to Evergreen's two.
Coke led the Spirit attack with four shots, including the equalizing goal, while Rodriguez collected his first assist of the season. In goal, Major Evans made one save and helped OUAZ limit the Geoducks to just two shots on frame.
By the Numbers
Up Next
The Spirit (1-1-1) continue their Pacific Northwest road trip on Saturday, Aug. 29, when they take on Northwest University. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m..
