WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Powered by the game-tying goal in the 89th minute from sophomore Juan Gonzalez (Paterson, N.J./NJIT), off an assist from senior Mateo Bacigalupo (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Colegio Cardenal Newman), the Mercy University Men's Soccer Team earned a 3-3 draw at regionally-ranked West Chester University on Wednesday afternoon at Rockwell Field.
The Mavericks (2-2-1) earn their first draw of the season and the Golden Rams (2-1-1) record their first tie of the season.
The first half began with the Mavericks taking control early through consistent offensive pressure, culminating in a goal by senior Matteo Azambuja (Paris, France/Eastern New Mexico University) in the 21st minute, assisted by junior Mario de Roque Zazón (Zaragoza, Spain/Newman University). Junior Mateo Sanchez (Anderson, S.C./Converse University) stood firm in goal for Mercy, making crucial saves at the 26th and 36th minutes to preserve the lead. The Mavericks maintained their advantage, entering halftime with a 1-0 lead over West Chester.
The second half saw a flurry of goals as the Golden Rams took the lead through two goals, the first by Owen Slack in the 51st minute, followed by Sean Duffy's finish in the 52nd. Mercy responded in the 61st minute when sophomore Santiago Dutilh (Santiago, Chile/Everest School) scored, assisted by de Roque Zazón, leveling the score. Despite falling behind again in the 62nd minute after a goal by Maksym Komperda, Gonzalez equalized in the 89th minute, assisted by Bacigalupo, ensuring a dramatic 3-3 draw at the end of the game.
Sanchez recorded seven saves in the match, playing a crucial role in the defensive lineup. Gonzalez scored his first career goal, adding to the team's total with his only shot on target. Bacigalupo provided his team-leading third assist of the year, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Azambuja added his first goal of the season and Dutilh netted his first career goal. De Roque Zazón added a game-high two assists.
Slack was instrumental for West Chester, netting one goal from five shots, with three on target. Jaden Howard made an impact in goal, recording four saves facing 15 shots, despite conceding three goals. Duffy contributed both offensively and defensively, scoring once and providing an assist, while also taking two shots with one on goal. Jason Goldfeder and Peter Tichy each added an assist, helping facilitate the team's offensive efforts.
West Chester held an 18-15 edge in shots and a 10-7 edge in shots on goal. Mercy held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will defend their home turf on September 20 against the University of the District of Columbia in their ECC opener. The match kicks off at noon in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
