SARASOTA, Fla. - New College of Florida Men's Soccer used a 75th-minute penalty kick from Cameron Johnson to earn a 1-1 draw against Florida Polytechnic University Saturday afternoon at the Bayfront Field.
The Mighty Banyans (1-3-2) fell behind four minutes into the match before controlling much of the second half. NCF outshot Florida Poly 16-7 after halftime and struck the post three times before Johnson converted the equalizer.
NCF finished with a 22-12 advantage in total shots and placed eight attempts on goal.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Florida Poly took the early lead when Tarquin Adams scored off a corner kick at the 4:00 mark.
Nicholas Tison made a save in the 11th minute before Cooper Kambak entered in goal less than three minutes later.
NCF began creating opportunities midway through the opening half. Micah Nelson forced a save in the 35th minute before Juan Gomez-Cuetara and Angel Frias each placed attempts on target during the final six minutes.
The Mighty Banyans entered halftime trailing 1-0 despite placing three of their six first-half shots on goal.
NCF applied immediate pressure after the break. Johnson forced a save in the 47th minute before Andres Garcia and Frias struck the post just 12 seconds apart.
The Mighty Banyans continued to push forward, recording seven shots and two corner kicks over the next 27 minutes.
Jaden Williams forced a save with a header in the 74th minute before Nelson placed another header on goal moments later.
NCF earned a penalty kick during the ensuing sequence, and Johnson converted at the 74:23 mark for his team-leading sixth goal of the season.
The Mighty Banyans continued searching for the winner. Johnson put another attempt on target in the 83rd minute before Garcia struck the post for the second time with less than two minutes remaining.
Kambak stopped both shots he faced over 76 minutes to keep Florida Poly scoreless following its opening goal.
THE TURNING POINT
NCF's second-half pressure finally produced the equalizer during a rapid attacking sequence in the 74th minute.
Williams and Nelson each forced saves before the Mighty Banyans earned a penalty kick. Johnson converted from the spot to tie the match at 1-1.
NCF nearly completed the comeback in the closing minutes, but Garcia's attempt at the 88:09 mark struck the post.
BY THE NUMBERS
22
Shots recorded by the Mighty Banyans.
16
NCF shots during the second half.
8
Mighty Banyan attempts placed on goal.
6
Goals this season for Johnson.
3
NCF shots that struck the post.
STAT LEADERS
Goals: Cameron Johnson - 1
Shots: Micah Nelson - 5; Cameron Johnson - 4; Andres Garcia - 3; Angel Frias - 3; Cuba Soerensen - 2; Jaden Williams - 2; Juan Gomez-Cuetara - 2; Lawrence Walsh - 1
Shots on Goal: Cameron Johnson - 3; Micah Nelson - 2; Angel Frias - 1; Juan Gomez-Cuetara - 1; Jaden Williams - 1
Goalkeepers: Nicholas Tison - 13:49, 1 goal allowed, 1 save; Cooper Kambak - 76:11, 0 goals allowed, 2 saves
UP NEXT: NCF will host South Florida Bible College in its final non conference match Tuesday at 4 p.m. EST.
