FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. – It was a goal in the 88
th minute that allowed Emmanuel University to earn a draw with the visiting Lee University men's soccer team on Thursday night to open the season. The Flames led for the majority of the second half but allowed the equalizer to come late in the contest to go to 0-0-1 on the year. Andreas Aspris scored the lone goal for the Flames.
It was a scoreless first half for both clubs. Both teams only managed one shot in the first ten minutes. Later on in the half, the Flames managed to get some pressure and force some saves from the Emmanuel goalkeeper.
The break threw for Lee came just after halftime. In the 49
th minute, Zane Marsh slotted a pass to Aspris who found the back of the net for his first goal as a Lee Flame. The pressure continued from Lee but they couldn't find the back of the net again. Then in the 88
th minute, Dom Chiuchiarelli scored the equalizer for the Lions and both teams went home with the draw.
The Flames outshot Emmanuel 12-6 including 7-2 with shots on goal. Edouard Laberge had six saves in goal for Emmanuel while Charles Carriglitto had one save for Lee.
The Flames has six fouls and four yellow cards in the contest.
Lee will return back to Cleveland for their home opener on Saturday night. The Flames will host King University on August 29
th at 7 PM.
Coach Derek Potteiger's Thoughts:
"That's not how we envisioned starting the season from a result standpoint. I thought we did a number of good things throughout the game, but it takes a full 90 minute performance, not just 89 minutes. We will correct those mistakes and be ready to compete again on Saturday night."
