EASTON, Pa. - Ryan Dodds’ 88^th minute goal helped Lafayette earn a 2-2 draw in its season opener against visiting La Salle on Friday evening at Oaks Stadium. Dodds’ marker was assisted by Alec Golini, who was credited with two helpers on the night. 

After falling behind 2-1, Lafayette continued to apply pressure late in the second half and finally broke through with the equalizer off the right foot of Dodds. Off a long pass, Golini headed the ball back across the penalty area where the junior came flying in with a volley that found the back of the Explorers net. 

Lafayette drew first blood in the 35^th minute shortly after head coachDennis Bohn made his first adjustment of the night. Substitutes Chuka Anyafo, Chandler Fraser-Pauls and Golini entered the match in the 33^rd minute and quickly made an impact for the Leopards. Less than two minutes after coming into the game, Golini ripped a shot from 25 yards out that sent La Salle keeper John McCarthy diving to his right and deflect the attempt off the inside of the post. Anyafo was on the case and blasted home the game’s first tally before McCarthy could recover.

Ten minutes after taking a 1-0 advantage, Lafayette was called for a foul on a La Salle corner kick that resulted in a penalty kick for the Explorers. Leopards’ goalkeeper Nathan McDonald made the right decision by going to his right, but Jidell Roach buried the attempt past his outstretched arms. 

Prior to Lafayette’s marker, Erik Cannon had the best scoring attempt for either side with a brilliant run down the center of the pitch. After taking a give-and-go pass from Peter Adubato, Cannon’s shot was right at McCarthy, who smothered the right-footed strike.

Twenty minutes into the second half La Salle found the go-ahead goal when Jason Plumhoff collected the ball inside the Lafayette penalty area and made a series of moves before ripping a left-footed shot into the upper portion of the goal. 

Overtime yielded a few chances for Lafayette, including three corners, but the Leopards were unable to put any solid attempts on goal in the extra sessions. The Maroon and White had nine corners in all, compared to La Salle’s three and outshot the Explorers 9-8. Each goalie made three saves for their respective sides. 

A total of 11 cards were given by the referee in the match, 10 yellow and a red to La Salle’s Joe Farrell in the 109^th minute.  

The Leopards return to the pitch at Oaks Stadium on Sunday when they host Bryant. The match is slated for 4 p.m. as part of a soccer doubleheader, with the women's team kicking off at 1 p.m. against Sacred Heart.

Game Notes:

Dodds’ goal was the second of his career.

Bryan White, Dante Piccolo and Ryan Egan each made their first career start for Lafayette.

Remember to `LIKE' Lafayette Athletics on Facebook and follow @GoLeopards on Twitter and Instagram. 

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