(Ann Arbor, MI) Concordia Men's Soccer welcomed Aquinas to Ferry Field at Cardinal Stadium for a WHAC clash against the Saints, who were receiving votes within the NAIA. It was a back-and-forth battle between the two sides with Concordia taking the lead late in the second half, but Aquinas was able to equalize minutes later to secure a 1-1 draw.
The Saints were on the front foot for the start of the first half, but the Cardinals were able to hold them at bay. The Cardinals were able to get a pair of great looks when Bryce Schaner found Clemens Gehlich on two separate occasions, but the Saints keeper was able to make the necessary plays to keep it scoreless. Schaner continued to play as a facilitator as he nearly connected with Marlon Rataj at the far post later in the half. The Cardinals continued to put pressure on the Aquinas defense with a Nicholas Kiafoulis shot and then another opportunity when Jan Lloveras Freix almost connected with Lucas Anderson, but it was ultimately knotted up at 0-0 after the first 45 minutes of play. Dario Cela recorded a save in net for the Cardinals in the first net as he shut out Aquinas in the first half.
Concordia made a shift to Kyri Wixom in net for the second half of the game. The Cardinals continued to stay aggressive offensively in the second half, with Carter Kerbawy putting a free kick just over the crossbar. Lucas Anderson struck a ball from over 30 yards out that forced the Saints' keeper to elevate and just barely poke the ball over the crossbar to prevent the goal. With under 12 minutes remaining Marlon Rataj nearly beat the Aquinas keeper with a looping shot toward the far post. Less than a minute later Nicholas Kiafoulis found some room on the left wing and cut a pass back towards Bryce Schaner who slotted it into the back of the net for the go-ahead goal. Jan Lloveras Freix had a pair of opportunities following that with a 20-yard free kick and breakaway opportunity, but was unable to produce a goal. The Cardinals conceded a free kick with less than 6 minutes remaining, and the Saints were able to score an equalizer off of a header to make it a 1-1 draw in the end. Wixom finished the second half with one save in net.
The Cardinals will conclude their regular season when they celebrate senior day on Friday, October 25th against Cleary. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM with senior day slated to take place before warmups at Ferry Field at Cardinal Stadium.
