Sophomore Jack Sarkisian provided a late equalizer as the Ashland University men's soccer team and Slippery Rock shared the reward, 1-1, on a soggy Saturday (Sept. 8) afternoon at Ferguson Field.
The Eagles (0-2-1) fell behind in the 17th minute as Hayden Seifert crossed up a defender and senior keeper Nick Costa made the save, but Luke Picchi pounced for the rebound to give Slippery Rock (1-2-1) a 1-0 lead.
The Rock continued to hold an advantage in possession through much of the first half, but the Eagles turned their fortunes after halftime.
Ashland saw much more of the ball in the second half and were the more dangerous team. It finally paid off in the 84th minute as sophomore Yusuke Yasumasu sent in a corner kick that Sarkisian got on top of and hit straight down and past the keeper for his first career goal.
The Eagles looked ready for a winner in regulation, but sophomore Justin Libertowski had his effort turned away with a brilliant save by SRU keeper Matt Hunsberger.
"It was an important day to get a result, knowing we're not at full strength," said AU head coach Oliver Slawson. "Coming from a goal down, it was important we stopped the run we've been on."
Ashland had a 4-2 advantage in shots in the overtime sessions, but neither team could find the winner. Ashland held a 14-9 lead in shots overall.
Costa made five saves for Ashland while Hunsberger turned away seven shots.
The game was played in an unrelenting rain and unseasonably cool temperatures that hovered in the high 50s.
The Eagles will return to the pitch on Wednesday (Sept. 12) when they take on Cedarville at Ferguson Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
AU
MSOC/BB
