Creighton University
Maryland (Ex.)
Jays Settle for 3-3 Draw with No. 9 Maryland
8/17/2012 10:37:00 PM | Men's Soccer
OMAHA, Neb. - After falling behind 2-0 in the opening 10 minutes, the No. 3 Creighton men's soccer team rallied to salvage a 3-3 tie against No. 9 Maryland in an exhibition match on Friday, Aug. 17.
The Terrapins jumped out early with goals from John Stertzer (7:14) as he headed a ball in off a crossing pass from Dan Metzger. Moments later, Maryland struck again as Patrick Mullins took a pass in the open field, made two moves to get past a Creighton defender then nailed a shot past Creighton goalkeeper, Alex Bolowich at the 9:17 mark.Trailing 2-0, the Jays offense began to rally by controlling possession. The Jays capitalized on a scoring opportunity with just under 12 minutes remaining in the half. Three Bluejays teamed to score the goal as junior Zach Barnes sent the ball to senior Andrew Ribeiro. He found junior Carlos McCrary open along the left side of the field for a crossing goal to make it 2-1.
Just over five minutes later the Jays pulled even as freshman Timo Pitter fired a shot from 20 yards out to tie the game at 2-2. Ribeiro collected his second assist as he sent the ball to Pitter.
Creighton's celebration, however, was short lived as Maryland reclaimed the lead with just over four minutes remaining in the first half. Jereme Raley raced down the right side of the field and blasted an unassisted goal to five the Terrapins a 3-2 edge heading into halftime.
Creighton outshot Maryland 10-7 in the opening period and also held a 3-0 edge on corner kicks.
Both teams seemed to settle down defensively in the second half making scoring chances more difficult. Bolowich kept the Jays deficit at just one with a dramatic save midway through the period, denying Sunny Jane on a one-on-one breakaway from the left side.
Down 3-2 as the game entered the final 15 minutes, Creighton sophomore Jose Ribas made the most of a direct kick offered by a Maryland foul. Ribas scorched a ball past Maryland keeper, Cody Niedermeier with 12:43 remaining in the game to knot things at 3-3.
For the match, Creighton outshot Maryland 18-12 and finished with a 6-2 edge on corner kicks.Bolowich played the entire game in goal, nabbing six saves. Three Terrapins split time in their net, collecting a combined five saves.
The Jays wrap up their exhibition season on Sunday, Aug. 19 as Creighton hosts Nebraska Omaha at 4:00 p.m.
