Point Park’s men’s soccer team picked up a 4-3 win last Sunday on the road against Salem University, a non-conference opponent in West Virginia. The Tigers inched toward a comeback, but the Pioneers secured the win in the final minutes of the game.
This was the team’s first non-conference matchup since its dominant 8-1 outing against Chatham to open the season on Sept. 5.
The Pioneers led the game 4-0, as forward Javier Morejon scored Point Park’s final goal in the 58th minute. The Tigers got on the board only 13 seconds later, beginning an impressive rally.
In the final 32 minutes, Salem combined for eight shots on target, chipping away at its deficit with three goals. The Tigers scored their third and final goal with six minutes remaining.
The Tigers’ tying shot on goal occurred with three and a half minutes remaining, but Point Park goalie David Ali saved the shot to close out the game.
Ali played 90 minutes and recorded seven saves, five of which were in the second period. He combines for 44 saves in all eight starts this season.
The Pioneers dominated the first half, which concluded 2-0. Edward Bowers scored off an assist from Morejon in the eighth minute, followed by a goal from Nils Benning in the 14th minute.
Game leaders include Morejon with one goal and two assists, Ruben Kuypers with one goal and two attempts on target and Cheroky Briard with one assist.
The Pioneers successfully broke through the Tigers’ defense, scoring four of eight shots on frame. Tigers goalie Josh Hill recorded all four saves. On the other side of the field, the Tigers scored only three of 10 attempts on target.
Point Park continued to face foul trouble, combining for 11 fouls and four yellow cards.
Point Park advances to a 4-3-1 record overall and stays at a 2-3-1 conference record. Sunday’s matchup did not affect conference standings. The Pioneers sit at fifth place in the MEC.
Prior to the men’s game, Point Park’s women’s team earned their first win 1-0 against Salem’s winless women’s team. The Pioneers combined for nine shots on target and held the Tigers to only two attempts on frame. The sole goal was scored by Cara Spry.
Both Point Park teams face MEC opponent Davis & Elkins in a doubleheader at Highmark Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The Davis & Elkins men’s team is 1-2-1 in conference play and fourth in the MEC.
