ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. – Junior midfielder Jack Nelson provided a dramatic finish, scoring a game-tying goal with only eight seconds left in regulation as St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s soccer team drew 1-1 against Stevenson University on Saturday, September 21. The non-conference clash saw St. Mary’s College (1-4-2) come back from a late deficit to secure a tie with Stevenson (1-3-3), thanks to Nelson’s header.
How It Happened
The match began with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities. In the first half, the Seahawks and Mustangs combined for 13 shots and seven corner kicks, with Stevenson generating the only true threats on goal. Stevenson tested St. Mary’s sophomore goalkeeper Jordon Eckman with attempts in the 15th and 34th minutes, but the game remained scoreless going into halftime.
St. Mary’s began to dominate the second half, doubling up Stevenson in shot attempts, 10-5. However, it was the Mustangs who struck first. In the 78th minute, Nick Sirasky broke the deadlock, sending a low shot from the top of the penalty box into the left side of the goal, giving Stevenson a 1-0 lead at 77:49.
As time wound down, St. Mary’s ramped up the pressure, determined to avoid their fifth loss of the season. With just eight seconds remaining in regulation, first-year midfielder Zach Blaum delivered a well-placed diagonal pass from 25 yards out to the far post, where Nelson met it with a header to equalize the game at 1-1 at 89:52.
Inside the Box Score
The Seahawks finished the match with a 17-11 shot advantage, with both teams placing four shots on goal. St. Mary’s also held a slim 8-7 edge in corner kicks. Nelson’s goal brought an end to the Seahawks’ lengthy scoring drought, which had lasted over 525 minutes.
Forwards Abdoul Anounkou and Franco Reyes led the Seahawks’ offensive effort, each recording four shots. Eckman played a key role in preserving the tie, finishing with three saves.
On the Stevenson side, Bryant Sievers and PJ Cera each notched three shots to lead the Mustangs. Ryan Peterson, Stevenson’s goalkeeper, matched Eckman’s effort with three saves of his own as Stevenson settled for its second straight tie.
What’s Next for St. Mary’s College
The Seahawks face a tough road challenge next, heading to Salisbury, Md., to take on the Salisbury University Sea Gulls (4-2-1) on September 25 at 4 p.m. in the DiBartolo Sea Gull Soccer Complex. St. Mary’s will then travel to Chambersburg, Pa., to meet Wilson College (3-5) on September 28 for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
