ELSAH, IL – The Principia men's soccer team hosted Webster University on Saturday afternoon in their conference opener as both teams fought hard to a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Webster struck first as they found the back of the next off a corner in the second minute – the fourth time this season Principia has conceded a goal in the first two minutes. However, the Panthers responded in the 36th minute when
Wizzy Afrani delivered a perfect pass into the box, and
Leander Linsler met it with a one-touch finish for his first goal of the season.
The second half showcased many chances on both ends as both teams would eventually trade penalty kicks within three minutes of each other. Webster converted their PK in the 69th minute, and then Principia's
Diego de Manuel Romero calmly equalized in the 72nd minute, placing the his PK inside the left post for his first collegiate goal.
The Gorloks looked like they might have found the game-winner in 80th minute when Hayden Hatley received a pinpoint long pass and finished off the bounce to give Webster a late 3-2 lead. However, the Panthers had other plans. In the 84th minute,
Christian Tresoldi sent a cross into the box, which Webster's defense cleared straight to freshman
Eyasu Smieja. Smieja seized the opportunity, firing the ball past the keeper for his first collegiate goal and pulling the Panthers level once again.
Panther goalkeeper
Jacob Ellis made seven key saves in his second full 90-minute performance of the season as the game finished deadlocked at 3 apiece.
Principia will look to build off this strong performance and try to earn their first conference win when they host Fontbonne University on Tuesday at 6:00 pm.
