Men’s Soccer Battles Manchester to 2-2 Tie in Key HCAC Contest

Defiance at Manchester Box Score

N. MANCHESTER, Ind. – Defiance saw a 2-1 lead slip away as Manchester forced overtime with a goal in the final six seconds and had to settle for a 2-2 tie on Wednesday afternoon.

The Spartans got a goal from Heriju Gadzama at the 11:30 mark of the opening period to take the 1-0 lead and would not score again until Brian Woods knocked home the game-tying goal at the 89:54 mark.

Defiance knotted the game at 1-1 as Ryan Rothermel assisted a Bradley Cannon goal in the 43rd minute and took the lead early in the second half with a score from Benji Hughes just 8:55 into the final 45 minutes of play.

The tie may turn out to be a pivotal moment as a win would have moved the Jackets into a tie with Rose-Hulman for the final spot in the upcoming HCAC Tournament with one game to play. Defiance now sits at 3-3-1 and is tied for fifth with Manchester.

If Defiance (5-11-1, 3-3-1 HCAC) knocks off Anderson (8-8-1, 4-2-1 HCAC) on Saturday, it would move into position to qualify for the conference tournament depending on the outcome of other remaining games. A loss or tie on Saturday to the Ravens would end DC’s postseason hopes.

The Jackets will host Anderson on Saturday at 3:00 pm. Seniors Alex Toll and Jared Gray will be honored as part of the Senior Day activities.