By Thomas Schmiesing
Staff Writer
The Franciscan Men’s Soccer team tied the Bethany College Bison in a hard-fought rematch of last year’s championship game on Sept. 30 at 3:30 p.m.
The Barons spent no time messing around and scored quickly off a penalty kick taken by junior midfielder Ryan Miller in the first minute.
The Bison responded with a successive series of drives into Baron territory, resulting in a goal for the Bison three minutes later, making the score 1-1.
The Barons remained unshaken and began to possess the ball efficiently until a corner kick near the 20-minute mark.
Bethany’s keeper went up to grab the ball as it flew over the goalbox, but an unlucky deflection off his hands sent the ball backward into his own net, allowing the Barons to regain the lead 2-1.
The game went back and forth for the remainder of the half, each side making opportunities and getting shots on goal but failing to get any in the back of the net.
The Bison kicked their game into high gear in the second half, outplaying the Franciscan team and maintaining possession of the ball for much of the half.
The Bethany attack scored seven minutes into the half, tipping the momentum in favor of the Bison.
The Barons, frustrated by the efficacy of Bethany’s play, allowed their emotion to get the better of them.
This showed when three Franciscan coaches and players received yellow cards for their disrespect toward the head official after a couple of controversial calls.
Seizing the moment, the Bison scored another two goals in quick succession, putting them ahead of the Barons 4-2.
The Barons, repulsed by an intense Bison defense, were able to break through and score twice before the end of the game, making the final score 4-4.
The next men’s soccer game is at home on October 4 at 7:30 p.m. against the Westminster College Titans.