Bulldogs Earn 1-1 Tie With Columbia

by Tim Bennett

October 27, 2012

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Trailing Columbia 1-0 at halftime on Saturday, the Yale men’s soccer team turned up the pressure in the second half. The result was an improved performance that earned the Bulldogs a 1-1 tie with the Lions before a nice day Youth Day crowd at Reese Stadium.

After the intermission, Yale had a clear edge in play and could have easily come away with a victory.

“At halftime, we talked about raising our energy level and being more assertive,” said Yale head coach Brian Tompkins. “I thought our response was tremendous.”

It paid dividends when Scott Armbrust scored at 68:59. Nick Alers sent a pass forward to Armbrust, who outraced Columbia goalkeeper Kyle Jackson to the ball and then chipped it over his head and into the net.

“We deserved the equalizer,” Tompkins said. “I thought we were the better team in the second half. We were a little unfortunate not to get another goal.”

Still, the Bulldogs needed an outstanding defensive play from freshman Tyler Detorie to avoid coming away with nothing. Detorie slid at the goal line to clear away Henning Sauerbier’s shot with a little over a minute to play in regulation. Sauerbier, who scored Columbia’s goal in the first half, had dribbled past goalkeeper Bobby Thalman and appeared to have an open goal to shoot at.

“Tyler did a great job getting back and covering for Bobby,” Tompkins said.

Yale’s best chance to win it came in the second overtime. Kevin Michalak got behind the defense and got off a shot that Jackson got just enough of to deflect it just wide.

Columbia (3-7-4, 1-2-2 Ivy) had an 11-9 edge in shots in the game but a large majority were either wide or blocked.

Thalman was not forced to make a save for the Bulldogs (4-7-4, 1-2-2) but was aggressive in the goal, intercepting or punching away a number of Columbia crosses.

Yale was whistled for a season-high 10 off sides.

The Bulldogs are back in action next Saturday when they play at Brown at 7 p.m.