GLENSIDE, Pa. - The Haverford Men's Soccer team (1-0-4) drew even with Arcadia (0-2-2) in a non-conference clash at Jean Lenox West Field Wednesday evening. Haverford held a slight 11-7 edge in shots in the contest, with Cyrus Nasseri converting a penalty kick in the 65th minute for Haverford's lone tally.
The Knights got on the scoreboard first in the eighth minute. Declan Kelly whirled in a strong pass off a corner kick, with the ball floating towards the near post where Giancarlo chested the ball, clanging his shot off the post and in to open the scoring.
Aidan Lacy and Andrew Fritz had scoring opportunities just moments later, but Logan Gildea did well to deal with the challenges in a stron half in goal.. Lacy put an attempt on frame in the 43rd minute, but Arcadia went to the halftime intermission with a 1-0 lead.
Forced to chase the game from that point, Haverford ramped up the offensive intensity in the second half of action. Arcadia had intentions on putting the game away, and had strong looks from Johan Savage and Giancarlo Ciotoli in the first 10 minutes of the second period.
Fritz fired high in the 61st minute and just moments later, Aidan Lacy drove down the left side of the field looking to create an opportunity. Lacy was brought down just inside the box to earn a penalty try for the Fords.
Nasseri buried his second penalty kick in as many games to level the contest at 1-1 with 25:54 to go in regulation.
From that point, Haverford ran its offense urgently but methodically looking for the go-ahead goal. Fritz had a decent look in the 78th minute, missing high. Arcadia, with similar urgency, saw an 85th minute shot from Johan Savage sail past the goal frame.
Dylan Ioffreda made two saves between the pipes for the Fords, while Logan Gildea made three of his own for the Knights. Fritz was seemingly everywhere for the Fords offensively, logging six shots while Ciotoli had a team-high three for Arcadia.
The meeting was just the fourth-all time between Arcadia and Haverford. Last season, the Fords and Knights settled for a 2-2 draw on Walton Field.
The Fords now open up Centennial Conference play against No. 9 Franklin & Marshall on Saturday afternoon (3 p.m.). The Fords and Diplomats will follow the women's soccer contest against Lebanon Valley which is scheduled for a noon start.