Sioux City, Iowa – Tigers defense held strong to prevent any last-ditch efforts by Briar Cliff to keep it a 1-1. Briar Cliff was picked to finish 6th in the GPAC preseason coache's poll and the Tigers were picked to finish last. The Tigers' offense struck first with a goal from Tristin Hendricks as he found the loose ball off a corner kick to send it into the back of the net. Tigers move to 4-2-1 on the season and 0-1-1 in the GPAC.
How It Happened –
The Tigers defense stood out in this windy match as they held a stout Briar Cliff team to only six shots on goal and an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Hunter Birozy who had five athletic saves in the match. Both teams struggled to find an offensive spark in the first half as they went into half scoreless. Both defenses held their ground throughout the first 45 minutes of play to keep both offenses off track.
Coming out of half, both teams looked to be the first to find the back of the net. The Tigers defense did their job and held the Chargers back and the offense was able to get a corner kick on the other end. This would set up sophomore Tristin Hendricks for his goal. Coming off a quick corner kick pass, Hendricks first shot attempt was blocked by a Briar Cliff defender, but Hendricks was quick on his feet to send the second shot into the goal in the 68' minute.
The Tigers tried to keep the energy up and hold Briar Cliff's offense from scoring an equalizer. The defense had stood tall throughout the whole match but were caught off guard on an unlucky ball from a Briar Cliff forward. The Charger shot bounced off the crossbar straight down and spun back into Birozy's hands, but the side judge called for a goal in the 71' minute. With the game tied, the Tigers had to go on the attack and score. From this point, neither offense was able to find good shots and the match ended in a draw.
Up Next –
The Tiger's next match up is set host Dordt on September 27th. The match is set to kick off at 5:00 p.m. in Mitchell S.D. at Pepsi Cola Soccer Complex.