Canton, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's soccer team battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw against the SUNY Canton Kangaroos on Tuesday afternoon. After Canton took a 2-0 lead early in the second half, the Wildcats scored three times in the final 21 minutes, including two goals in the final eight minutes, to secure the draw. Kara Mertz and Katelyn Meehan each found the back of the net, while Abigail Hughes added a goal as SUNY Poly rallied late.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
SUNY Poly created several chances early in the match, with Samantha Barrett and Katelyn Meehan both putting shots on goal that were saved by Canton goalkeeper Mackenzie Ryan. The Wildcats continued to apply pressure through a series of corner kicks, but the Kangaroos' defense kept SUNY Poly off the scoreboard.
Canton eventually found the breakthrough with just 12 seconds remaining in the first half. Summer Foster scored off an assist from Josie Macaluso, sending the Kangaroos into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
The Kangaroos extended their lead just 1:40 into the second half when Sydney Hoefer found the back of the net to make it 2-0. SUNY Poly goalkeeper Skylar Blackwell kept the Wildcats within striking distance, making several saves as Canton looked to add to its advantage.
The Wildcats continued to pressure the Canton defense, with Hughes recording multiple shots before finally breaking through in the 70th minute. After a foul on Canton, Mertz converted a penalty kick at 69:04 to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Canton responded in the 77th minute when Kate Whitley scored to restore the Kangaroos' two-goal advantage at 3-1. SUNY Poly, however, refused to go quietly. Hughes scored in the 83rd minute to bring the Wildcats back within one, setting up a dramatic finish.
Just over three minutes later, Meehan completed the comeback, scoring at the 85:59 mark to knot the match at 3-3. The Wildcats and Kangaroos battled through the final minutes, but neither team could find the game-winning goal as the match ended in a 3-3 draw.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats will hit the road again on Saturday, September 5, when they travel to face Hilbert College. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM.
