CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - The University of Pikeville men's soccer team erased a two-goal deficit with less than six minutes remaining Tuesday, scoring twice late to earn a 2-2 draw against Campbellsville.
The Bears found themselves trailing 2-0 after Campbellsville scored twice in the opening 23 minutes. Mihlali Blesi opened the scoring just 55 seconds into the match, finishing a pass from Alessandro Martinez to give the Tigers an early advantage.
Campbellsville doubled its lead in the 23rd minute when Izan Garcia Gancedo found the back of the net off an assist from Ollie Jagroop.
Pikeville continued to generate chances throughout the opening half, with Dylan Roberts putting two shots on frame and Elvis Simiyu recording a pair of shots, including a header that was saved by Campbellsville goalkeeper Malthe Schou. Schou finished the match with four saves.
Campbellsville maintained its 2-0 advantage into halftime despite Pikeville holding several opportunities in the attacking third.
The Tigers continued to pressure early in the second half, but Pikeville goalkeeper Alejandro Iglesias kept the Bears within striking distance. Iglesias made four saves on six shots on goal, including stops on Campbellsville chances in the 48th, 54th, and 61st minutes.
The Bears finally broke through in the 85th minute.
Roberts collected the ball and found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 2-1. The goal was Roberts' first of the match and gave Pikeville renewed momentum with just over five minutes remaining.
Just four minutes later, the comeback was complete.
Mohamed Samake scored in the 89th minute to level the match at 2-2. The goal was Samake's first of the season and sent the Bears into the final moments with a chance to complete the comeback.
Campbellsville had one final opportunity in the closing seconds, but Tomas Aristizabal's shot sailed high as the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Roberts led Pikeville offensively with four shots, including four on goal and one goal. Simiyu added three shots with one on target, while Samake recorded a goal on his lone shot.
Iglesias finished with four saves in the Pikeville goal, while Schou also made four saves for Campbellsville.
Campbellsville finished with a 13-10 advantage in shots, while Pikeville held a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.
The Bears are back in action on Friday, September 4, where they will host Carolina University at 7:00 PM at Bob Amos Complex.
--UPIKE--
