SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Westminster men's soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw with UC Merced on Thursday, September 3, at Dumke Field, erasing a first-half deficit on a second-half goal from Max Edwards.
Game Breakdown
First Half
UC Merced controlled much of the run of play early, out-cornering Westminster 4-0 in the opening 45 minutes. The Bobcats broke through in the 21st minute when Christian Khanishian scored off a pair of assists from Davian Lizarraga and Ezekiel Cruz, giving UC Merced a 1-0 lead. Westminster goalkeeper Oliver Olsen made a save in the first half to keep the deficit at one, while Ashton Duran tested UC Merced goalkeeper Abel Calvillo with two shot attempts, including one on target. Shots were even at 2-2 through the first half, though Westminster was whistled for the bulk of the fouls, committing 10 to UC Merced's 5.
Second Half
Westminster found its equalizer in the 69th minute when substitute Max Edwards scored an unassisted goal to level the match at 1-1. The goal came shortly after Edwards entered the match. Both teams traded chances over the final 20 minutes — Ben Kump had a shot saved for Westminster, while Khanishian had two more shot attempts for UC Merced, one saved by Olsen and one that sailed wide left. Neither team found a second goal, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Westminster held a 2-2 shot edge in the second half, evening the game at 4-4 overall.
Griffin Performances
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Max Edwards scored the equalizing goal in the 69th minute, his first of the season, on his lone shot attempt
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Ashton Duran led Westminster with two shots, including one on target
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Ben Kump added a shot on goal off the bench
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Oliver Olsen made two saves in goal across the full 90 minutes
Final Stats
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Shots: Westminster 4, UC Merced 4
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Shots on Goal: Westminster 3, UC Merced 3
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Corner Kicks: Westminster 1, UC Merced 7
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Fouls: Westminster 12, UC Merced 16
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Saves: Westminster 2, UC Merced 2
Up Next
Westminster returns home to face Jamestown University on Saturday at 1 p.m.
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