Late Goal Earns Wolverines a Draw vs. Taylor

Eric Welch, Staff Writer

Photo//UM-Dearborn Athletics

The University of Michigan-Dearborn men’s soccer team welcomed the Taylor University Trojans to Star International Academy in Dearborn Heights. The Trojans traveled from their Upland, Indiana campus to face the Wolverines in a non-conference matchup Wednesday night that ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Wolverines started the game with early pressure, forcing the action in the Trojans end. However, it was the Trojans that would ultimately have the first scoring chance of the contest in the third minute with a hard shot on net by Taylor’s Jhon Alzhate that was saved by Wolverine goalie, sophomore Elijah Burlak. The teams fought hard in a tight first half that ended with the score 0-0.

The Trojans got on the board first in the second half when forward Andrew Siegelin’s shot got past Burlak in the 66th minute. The Wolverines continued to battle and were rewarded for their effort. In the 81st minute, junior forward Nicolas Pulcini’s shot found the back of the net, tying the match at one goal apiece. The Wolverine’s goal was set up by an incredible strike by senior captain and defenseman Austin Dukes from near mid-field that brought the action into the Trojans zone, allowing Pulcini to tie the contest.

Taylor finished the match with 11 total shots, five of which on target. UM-D finished with six total shots, four of which on target. Taylor’s goalie had three saves while Dearborn’s Burlak saved four. Both teams ended the match with nine fouls apiece.

The draw brings the Wolverines’ record to 2-2-1 overall after five matches. The team travels to Saint Francis (Ind.) on Saturday (Sept 17) for a 7:00 PM match.