In a match defined by intensity with a series of late back and forth goals, Case Western Reserve University men’s soccer went 2-2 for a tie against Carnegie Mellon University. The game, held at CWRU’s home field, showcased the Spartans’ determination as they overturned CMU’s lead in the dying minutes to claim a well-deserved forefront. It was until the last seconds that CMU was able to clinch the tie to seal the game.

The game remained scoreless until the 77th minute, when CMU’s Robert Lloyd ironed the score. Assisted by Sandor Preda, Lloyd found the back of the net, putting CMU up 1-0 with only 13 minutes left in regulation time. It was a tense moment for the Spartans, who had been pressing hard for a goal but found themselves suddenly on the back foot.

However, the response from CWRU was swift and emphatic. Just four minutes later, in the 81st minute, first-year forward Amir Awais took advantage of a brilliant assist from second-year defender and midfielder David Pineda, slotting the ball past the CMU goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1. The stadium erupted with kudos as the home crowd celebrated the Spartans’ determination to bounce back.

With time ticking away and both teams pushing for a winning goal, CWRU struck again in quick succession. In the 89th minute, second-year midfielder Adam Pluszczyk scored off an assist from fourth-year midfielder Lukas Dalakis, giving the Spartans a 2-1 lead and sending the fans into a frenzy. As if that was enough, it was a devastating watch for the fans to watch Jake Slackman secure a goal just 41 seconds later for CMU, assisted by Drew McKim. CWRU versus CMU resulted in a 2-2 final score. The two late goals between CMU and CWRU were brilliant, providing the fans with a suspenseful battle between the two universities.

While the Spartans outshot the Tartans 11 to 9, both teams registered 5 shots on goal. Additionally, the two teams totalled 6 saves, with the Spartan’s Bradley Winter recording 3 of the 6. The tightly contested match reflected both teams’ defensive prowess and offensive ambitions, as they each managed to make crucial saves to keep their respective sides in the game.

CWRU also held a slight advantage with 4 corner kicks beating CMU’s 3. The Spartans’ ability to capitalize on their possession and ball control in the second half proved to be the difference, as they showcased clinical finishing in the closing minutes. The game proved to be very physical with CMU committing 13 fouls throughout the match compared to CWRU’s 11.

The game’s intensity built up throughout the first into the second half, with both teams creating opportunities but unable to convert until the late stages. For CMU, their opening goal seemed to ignite the Spartans, who responded with different strategies for converting goals. For instance, the midfield, led by Pineda and Dalakis, provided the crucial link to the forwards, setting up Awais and Pluszczyk for their impactful strikes shown by the ball possession percentages.

The combination of quick passes and strategic positioning in the final minutes allowed the Spartans to overcome CMU’s defense.

The turning point of the game resulted after CMU’s goal. Rather than allowing their opponents to sit back, the Spartans immediately responded. They gained offensive momentum with Awais’ pivotal goal to tie in the 82nd minute. This was the catalyst for the Spartans, giving them the confidence to continue pushing forward and score the next goal that occurred with 43 seconds left on the clock. Pluszczyk found the net within the last minute, demonstrating CWRU’s never-give-up attitude. The Spartans’ strong bench and depth allowed them to bring on fresh legs that contributed to the last-minute flurry of goals.

This tie marks a bittersweet end to the squad’s 2024 season. This game in particular exemplified their skill and heart, which was seen throughout the season in some very close matches. CWRU’s efforts provided fans with an exhilarating show and solidified its standing as a resilient team. With a mix of diligence and sheer determination, the Spartans’ tie against CMU will be remembered as a brilliant game.