UNION, N.J. – Playing without several key players after a physical match this past Saturday against Lebanon Valley, the Haverford College men's soccer team looked to be on its way to a victory Wednesday night on the road at Kean. However, the host Cougars (4-2-1) scored with 4:16 left in the second half to put the game level at 1-1 and added the golden goal just 5:36 into the extra session for the win on its home field.
Although it was Kean that had more chances to finish on Wednesday evening, the Fords (3-2) made the most of their opportunities in the opening half as John Halifax put just the second Fords' shot on goal of the night in the back of the net to give his team a 1-0 lead in the 43rd minute of play. The first shot on goal came for the Fords just prior as Tejan Walcott found space in the Kean defense and put his shot on frame. The initial shot was stopped but Halifax was there to finish for the first goal of his season and career. Walcott was credited with the assist on the goal.
The one goal advantage would stand up for most of the remaining time in the match thanks in large part to a strong defensive effort that was anchored by Chris Gibson. Making his first career start, Gibson made 12 saves on the night. However, the Kean attack would finally beat the Fords' defense in the 86th minute when Sevag Kherlopian took a feed from Steven Zamudio and finished the Cougars' first goal of the night to bring the match even at one-all.
Haverford's best chance to score in the remaining time left in regulation came after a foul about 30 yards out. Will Corkery sent the direct kick on goal, but Brad Watkins was there to make one of his three saves on the night for the hosts.
In the extra session, Kean had both shots. The first attempt was sent wide but in the 96th minute of play, Zamudio took a shot from just outside of the 18 that snuck past the Fords' keeper and to the far post for the game-winning goal.
Four different players recorded a shot for Haverford on the evening. Matthew Clausen was the only Haverford player to record multiple attempts as he finished with a pair of shots on the evening.
Men's soccer will have to quickly shake this tough loss as a meeting with Johns Hopkins awaits this Saturday. The Fords will host that Centennial Conference opener for both teams on Walton Field beginning at 2 p.m. This weekend starts a streak of four straight conference matches for the Fords in the next three weeks.