Box Score NEWPORT NEWS, VA – The York College men's soccer team completed one of the toughest weeks in all of Division III men's soccer with a 1-1 tie at #12 Christopher Newport in the Capital Athletic Conference opener for both squads.
The Spartans are now 3-2-4 and 0-0-1 in the CAC while the Captains are now 7-1-2 overall and 0-0-1 in the league.
The Spartans, who played at #1 Messiah on Wednesday night, had a short turn around time and a long trip to Newport News for the 3:00 pm Saturday afternoon game.
The Captains jumped on York early in the game as the reigning CAC Player of the Year, senior Jalon Brown, banged home his eighth goal of the year in the 14th minute of the contest. Brown took a past from Garrett Van Nutt, dribbled past a Spartan defender and deposited a shot from the left flank into the right side netting.
The Spartans got their footing and started to assert themselves in their offensive third. The Green and White finally found the back of the net as Ryan Phelps (North Beach, Md./Northern) struck a shot that was saved by Captain keeper Nolan Mann only to have Phelps collect the rebound and hit home a header, tying the game at one in the 32nd minute. The goal was the first collegiate tally for Phelps.
The Captains would hold a slight 9-8 advantage in total shots after 45 minutes of play but York put three of their shots on frame while two of CNU's shots were on goal.
The Captains held the statistical edge in shots in the second half, outshooting York 10-4 but the shots on goal were much closer at 3-1 in favor of CNU as the two teams headed to an extra session.
In the first overtime, York had a chance with a Brendan Sabaerton (Wilmington, Del./Salesianum) strike just 1:28 into the OT but Mann registered the save to keep the match going.
The Captains had 4-1 margin in shots in the second overtime but all five shots in the 10 minute period missed target as the squads finished with a hard-fought tie.
CNU finished the game with a 23-14 edge in total shots while both teams had five shots on goal. York had a 5-4 margin in corner kicks.
The game was very physical as the squads combined for 43 fouls and six yellow cards.
Sophomore Jack Pebole (Little Silver, N.J./Red Bank Regional) played a solid match in goal in relief of starter Charlie Johnson (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin). Pebole recorded four saves in his 110 minutes of work. Mann also made four saves in his 110 minutes of action for CNU.
The Spartans return home on Wednesday when they host Eastern in a non-conference contest at Graham Field. Kick off is set for 4:00 pm.
Ryan Phelps photo courtesy of Joe Rodgers
