SARASOTA, Fla. - New College of Florida Men's Soccer earned one of the biggest results in program history Wednesday afternoon, battling No. 11 Keiser University to a 3-3 draw at Bayfront Field.
The Mighty Banyans (2-3-4, 0-0-2) overcame deficits in both halves while scoring three goals against the nationally ranked Seahawks.
Cameron Johnson scored twice, including the equalizer in the 76th minute, while Juan Gomez-Cuetara finished with one goal and one assist.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Keiser opened the scoring just two minutes into the match when Mohammed Mouzoune converted a pass from Juan Terrasa.
Henrique Furlan kept NCF within one by making four saves over the next 19 minutes.
The Mighty Banyans pulled even after earning a penalty kick in the 27th minute. Johnson converted from the spot for his eighth goal of the season.
NCF took its first lead at the 37:54 mark. Following a corner kick, Gomez-Cuetara found the back of the net for his second goal of the year to put the Mighty Banyans ahead 2-1.
The advantage lasted just over a minute as Xabi Souto scored in the 40th minute to send the teams into halftime tied 2-2.
Keiser regained the lead when Souto scored his second goal of the afternoon at the 65:10 mark.
The Mighty Banyans answered once again. Gomez-Cuetara found Johnson in the 76th minute, and the sophomore converted for his second goal of the match and ninth of the season.
Cuba Soerensen nearly gave NCF the lead in the 82nd minute, but Keiser goalkeeper Finn Froley made the save.
Furlan made one final stop moments later as the Mighty Banyans held on to secure the nationally significant result.
THE TURNING POINT
NCF faced a 3-2 deficit with less than 25 minutes remaining after Keiser regained the lead in the 66th minute.
The Mighty Banyans responded 9:52 later when Gomez-Cuetara connected with Johnson for the equalizer.
NCF protected the draw over the final 15 minutes to earn a point against the 11th-ranked team in the country.
BY THE NUMBERS
9
Goals this season for Johnson following his second multi-goal match of the year.
7
Saves recorded by Furlan.
6
Corner kicks earned by the Mighty Banyans.
5
NCF shots placed on goal.
1
Sun Conference point earned against No. 11 Keiser.
STAT LEADERS
Goals: Cameron Johnson - 2; Juan Gomez-Cuetara - 1
Assists: Juan Gomez-Cuetara - 1
Shots: Cameron Johnson - 3; Angel Frias - 1; Cuba Soerensen - 1; Juan Gomez-Cuetara - 1; Micah Nelson - 1
Shots on Goal: Cameron Johnson - 2; Cuba Soerensen - 1; Juan Gomez-Cuetara - 1; Micah Nelson - 1
Goalkeepers: Henrique Furlan - 81:32, 2 goals allowed, 7 saves; Cooper Kambak - 8:28, 1 goal allowed
UP NEXT: NCF will travel to face Webber International University Saturday at 11 a.m. EST.
