By Mehki King | September 16, 2024
Great Dane attacker Ander Castillo (#9) celebrating one of his goals. Castillo scored two goals in Saturday’s draw against Cornell.
Photo Credit: Bruce Dudek / UAlbany Athletics
The University at Albany men’s soccer team drew 2-2 at home against Cornell on Saturday, moving to 2-4-1 for the season.
In the early minutes of the match, the Great Danes came out firing, forcing two saves from Cornell goalkeeper Ryan Friedberg.
In the 40th minute Cornell took a short corner and passed it out to Giorgos Diakos who shot from 25 yards into the top left corner making it 1-0 to Cornell.
Just 23 seconds later, UAlbany’s Ethan Cook played Ander Castillo through on goal where he put a light touch of the ball past the goalkeeper, equalizing the game for The Great Danes. An even game going into halftime.
UAlbany started the second half well, winning an early corner. Timo Jansen whipped in a cross for Castillo, who headed the ball into the bottom right corner, completing his brace to make the score 2-1.
The second half was even with both teams taking a couple of shots, until the 67th minute when UAlbany’s Nassim Nouajaa fouled Cornell’s Daniel Samway in the penalty box, resulting in a spot kick which Cornell missed. Two minutes later, Cornell’s Alex Harris made up for his missed penalty and shot the ball into the bottom left corner from close range, tying the score.
UAlbany withstood Cornell's late pressure and the game finished tied at 2-2. UAlbany outshot Cornell 12-8, having five shots on target to Cornell’s three. Castillo had the most shots in the match with eight.
The Great Danes will next visit Lafayette in Easton, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 17.