CENTER VALLEY, Pa. - The TCNJ men's soccer team showed its resilience once again in its match against DeSales Saturday afternoon, using a late goal from
Chris Meder to secure a hard-fought, 1-1 tie in enemy territory – the Lions' third straight after starting the season 4-0.
The Lions (4-0-3) created the first scoring chance of the afternoon just over 20 minutes into the contest when
J.J. Zaun dribbled his way into the box and fired a shot toward the near post, but the senior captain had his effort turned away by the Bulldogs' Jimmy Shensky.
DeSales (3-3-1) responded with a pair of their own shots on frame just two minutes apart, but
Sean Najdzinowicz was up to the test for TCNJ, collecting both to keep the game scoreless entering halftime.
Saturday's second half belonged to DeSales, who tested Najdzinowicz early and often before finally breaking through at the 50-minute mark to take the 1-0 lead over the unbeaten Lions.
Much of the next 25 minutes was spent going end-to-end, but neither side was able to create any real scoring opportunities. With time winding down, TCNJ upped its pressure, drawing a foul and a corner in the attacking third, the latter of which found its way to the feet of Meder.
The junior controlled the ball at his feet and attempted to swing his body toward goal, but was taken out from behind by a Bulldogs defender, drawing a penalty kick. Meder – the beneficiary of the foul call – stepped up to the spot in the 81st minute and sent the ball into the top corner to level things at one with less than 10 minutes to go.
Tempers were high following the equalizer, with more yellow cards dealt (3) than shots taken (2) before the final whistle blew, ending the game in a 1-1 draw.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Lions were outshot 9-4 in the contest but only trailed 4-3 in shots on target.
- TCNJ held a 5-3 advantage in corners.
NOTES
- Najdzinowicz's three saves are a career-high.
- Meder's goal was his team-best fifth of the season to pair with his five assists.
- The Lions are now unbeaten through seven games to start the season, tying their longest streak since 2018.
UP NEXT
- TCNJ is back at Lions Stadium to face off against Keystone Wednesday, Sept. 24 in its final game before conference play starts up. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
