FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. With the Monarchs trailing 2–1 against undefeated Pfeiffer University,
Steven Floyd came up big for the Methodist men's soccer team with an equalizer in the 85th minute of Tuesday night's match. The junior's key goal lifted the Monarchs to their fifth draw of the season while handing the Falcons the first blemish on their record, which was previously a perfect 8-0-0.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist ties Pfeiffer, 2-2
Records: Methodist 5-2-5 (1-0-1 USA South), Pfeiffer 8-0-1 (1-0-1 USA South)
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first shot on goal of the match resulted in a score for the Falcons in the 19th minute of play. Lining up for a long free kick from the edge of the center circle, Juan Cabrera lofted a perfect pass into the box for Alex Michael, who snuck past the Methodist defense on the right side and scored off a header while falling out of bounds.
- The Monarchs put a pair of shots on goal before the end of the half but went into the break still down 1–0. However, they were first to strike in the second half. Blitzing down the field after a throw in by Alex Ramson, Cameron Lambert controlled the ball and sent a pass from the left side of the box, which was dummied by Floyd. On the receiving end of the pass was Carson Stretz, who drilled the ball with his right foot, threading it just inside the near post to tie the score at 1–1 in the 55th minute.
- In the 63rd minute, Ramson saw a chance to give his team the lead. Following a free kick from midfield, the ball bounced off a Monarch and landed at the feet of Ramson on the left side of the goal area. His shot breezed past the charging goalkeeper, but a Falcon defender prevented the ball from breaching the goal line.
- Pfeiffer retook the lead in the 76th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick. Caleb Yopp was responsible for the delivery, while Michael headed the ball into the bottom right corner for his second goal of the night and team–leading ninth on the season.
- Methodist stayed the course and found an offensive opportunity in the 85th minute after earning a free kick near the endline from just beyond the left side of the box. A cross into the goal area bounced around off a couple of Monarchs before winding up in front of Floyd. Floyd's first shot attempt was saved by a Pfeiffer defender but ricocheted right back to where he was still standing. On the second ball, he booted a shot up and into the top of the net to bring the match to a draw.
- Trey Gohr preserved the tie for his team, collecting a shot on goal with two minutes to go. With the final 10 seconds ticking off the scoreboard, the Monarchs tried their best to execute a corner kick for the win but were unable to challenge the Pfeiffer keeper with a shot before time expired.
NUMBERS
- Set pieces proved pivotal on Tuesday, with both teams netting a goal following a free kick and Pfieffer also scoring on a corner. The Monarchs have seen success on corner kicks in the past but earned just three attempts against the Falcons.
- Methodist saw ample opportunities on offense, firing off 17 shots compared to Pfeiffer's 11.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs travel to Brevard College on Saturday for a 4 p.m. match against the Tornados.
