Eagles Battle Back To Tie Indiana Wesleyan
Marion, IN – Zach Welch’s first collegiate goal in the 76th minute tied the game and help the Eagles fight back from a 2-0 hole to tie Indiana Wesleyan 2-2 on Friday night.
Asbury dug themselves an early hole as a header back to the keeper could not be cleared and was headed home by the Wildcats’ Austin Bock in the 1st minute. Indiana Wesleyan would score again eight minutes later to take a 2-0 lead. Asbury would also be the beneficiary on a mistake by Indiana Wesleyan as they would allow in an own goal four minutes after halftime. That set up Zach Welch to score the game tying goal in the 76th minute.
Welch’s first career goal showed off just how skilled he is. He received the ball at the top of the box and was able to create a little bit of space to bury a shot in the back of the net. Coach Andrews said, “It seemed effortless for him. It was placed perfectly and that’s what Zach is capable of and we need him to do that more often.”
Despite giving up two early goals the Eagles never wavered. They continued to posses and work in the first half but just couldn’t break through. The own goal in the second half certainly helped the cause as the Eagles worked to now find the equalizer. Both teams fought back and forth throughout, each team making great plays to preserve the tie.
“It really is encouraging to see the guys play very near their potential,” Coach Andrews said. “You have to give credit to Indiana Wesleyan, they are a tough, physical team. Tonight I was really proud of how hard our guys worked out there and that was very evident in the result.”
An extremely physical match that saw nearly 40 fouls called and saw four players receive cautions. Asbury was forced to play forward Evan Duszynski at defender late in the game due to an injury to Mark Fitch, and Duszynski made a game saving play as he cleared the ball off the goal line.
Phillip Mullins had a chance late in the game to give the Eagles to win as IWU’s keeper cleared the ball from the sideline. The ball came right to Mullins near mid-field and let one rip, but just went wide. Jonathan Rehner and Ryan Moberley each had some chances as well inside the box but IWU’s defense came through with big plays of their own, once clearing the ball off the goal line.
Dylan Fouts saved nine balls for the Eagles and Nick Platt made four saves for the Wildcats. Indiana Wesleyan got off 23 shots but only put five on frame, they hit the post one time. Asbury only got off 12 but put 10 on target. Trent Popp led Asbury with five shots.
