Covenant Draws With Averett, 2-2

Saturday, September 23, 2017
Andrew Mindeman

The Covenant men's soccer team played another close contest, but this time got a slightly better result. Carl Simakoff's goal in the 88th minute knotted the score at 2-2 and the Scots and host Averett would play two scoreless overtimes to end in a draw on Saturday afternoon at Daly Field.

Covenant (2-6-1, 0-3-1 USA South) had lost its last two matches by a total of two goals, and on Saturday the Scots were just minutes away from a similar result.

But Simakoff was able to get through the Cougar defense and got a pass from Josh Brower before finishing off his shot just inside the far post to tie the score. The goal was Simakoff's first of the year, while Brower was credited with the assist.

The Scots had to battle back during the match. Averett got on the board in the eighth minute when Huso Dukic intercepted a pass and then worked his shot past Covenant keeper Jonathan Crossman to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. The goal was Dukic's second of the year. Just six minutes later, Averett added another score when David Cuperman collected his eighth score of the year when he weaved through a few Covenant defenders before knocking it home in the corner of the net.

But Covenant got back to within one goal before halftime. In the 32nd minute, Josiah McDaniel received a pass from Seth Robinson and scored his first goal of the year to bring the deficit to 2-1.

Both teams would have opportunities in the second as they combined for 17 shots. Josh Brower put three shots on target in the period for Covenant, but Averett keeper Marius Olevesen made saves on all three. The score remained 2-1 in Averett's favor until the 88th minute when Simakoff was able to even the score with his goal.

In the first overtime session, Averett had the run of play as the Cougars outshot Covenant 4-1, but Crossman made two saves to preserve the tie. The second overtime period again saw a lot of action, but both teams' defenses stood tall to end the match in a draw.

Crossman made 10 saves for the Scots as Averett (2-4-2, 1-2-1 USA South) held a 26-16 shot edge. Olavesen tallied six saves for the Cougars.

UP NEXT

Covenant will return to Scotland Yard on Wednesday to take on Piedmont. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m., or 30 minutes after the women's match concludes.