TIFFIN - Trailing by a goal with less than five minutes to play, things were not looking bright for the Heidelberg University men's soccer team in their home opener.  Things turned around in a quick way however when a strike off the foot of Alexis Mendoza drew the Student Princes even and ultimately gave them the tie against Wittenberg.

The match opened quickly for the 'Berg, as they were on the offensive and controlling possession.  That didn't turn into offense though, as the ball got through the defense and the Tigers struck first.

Less than two minutes later, Chris Koczak found the back of the net from about 20 yard out to knot things up at one.  Heidelberg remained in control of possession until a lightening delay paused the action.

The delay lasted over an hour seemed to even out the match with possession being even or in the Tigers' favor for the remainder of the half.

Wittenberg stuck early in the second half, pulling ahead for the 2-1 advantage in the 62nd minute, and retained that lead late into the half.

With just under three minutes to play, Mendoza found a gap and drilled home the equalizer off of an assist by Mitchell Papst.  The score would hold at two from there as Heidelberg came away with the tie.

As a team, the Student Princes outshot the tiger 24-15 with shots being even in the second half at 12.  Matthew Stevens tallied four saves in goal during the match, holding up the tie at the end of the game.

"I have to give credit to Wittenberg, they fought hard for each other and showed a lot of spirit" said Heidelberg head coach Brian Haley.  "We let the game get away from us a little bit after the break, but Alexis really saved us with some genius at the end."

With the draw, Wittenberg moves to 1-1-1 on the season while Heidelberg remains unbeaten at 2-0-1.  The Student Princes will be back in action on Sunday, September 7th when they take on 4th ranked Kenyon.  That match is slated to start at 3:00 p.m. at the Hidden Valley Soccer Complex.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Commitments: Sheehan Selects Big South Side

Men's Division I Postseason Top 100

2024 Men's DI Postseason Awards