The Golden Rams men’s soccer team managed to force a 1-1 tie versus PSAC East rival Lock Haven Saturday afternoon in a rematch of last year’s championship game.Paul Huckett’s bizarre shot found the back of the net at 9:29 to give Lock Haven (3-2-2) the early advantage. Golden Rams goalkeeper Garrett Santoro, who saved two shots in the game, misjudged Huckett’s shot, which appeared to be heading over the net.
The surprise goal did not discourage the Golden Rams offense,which came back with a goal of its own just moments later. Senior Matt Christian scored at 11:40 to tie the game, complements of Tyler Brown. Christian’s second goal of the season marked an end to the scoring on the day. Brown’s assist now gives him three on the season.
The hotly contested battle between the conference rivals boiled over when Golden Rams head coach Kendall Walkes was issued a yellow card after expressing his dissent towards the referee.
Fans and players from both sides grumbled about the officiating throughout the game. Golden Rams team captain Ryan Hunter, whose leadership and intense play is a constant in each game, was also issued a yellow card for his incessant complaining to the referees about the lack of calls of being made. Hunter, the quintessential field-general, helped keep the Golden Rams competitive throughout the game, despite almost letting his emotions get the best of him.
In addition to Hunter’s valiant efforts, the Golden Rams stingy defense kept Lock Haven searching for ways to break the scoring tie. The Golden Rams allowed only three shots, but the offense had many chances to win the game in both the second half and in overtime. Unfortunately, Lock Haven matched the GoldenRams on defense, and freshman goalkeeper William Trimble III stopped five of the Rams six shots on goal.
The Golden Rams have sought for redemption against Lock Haven since the end of last season, after the Bald Eagles ended their run by capturing the conference title in the PSACChampionship game. Although the Golden Rams had to settle for a tie in the rematch, a 4-2-2 record keeps them atop the conference this season, despite second-place Bloomsburg (4-3) winning on Saturday.
Saturday afternoon’s tie puts an end to the Golden Rams twogame winning streak. Prior to the Lock Haven contest, the men’s team defeated PSAC rivals Slippery Rock, 4-1, and Millersville last Tuesday, 1-0 in overtime.
On Wednesday, the Golden Rams will host East Strousburg at South Campus field, who are coming off a win versus Shippensburg on Saturday. Game time is 1 p.m.