Yale, Colgate Play 1-1 Draw

September 8, 2019

The Yale men’s soccer team can come away from its opening weekend of play feeling pretty good about itself. The Bulldogs played a pair of ties against teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament a year ago, including Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Colgate.

It’s understandable, though, if there is a little frustration after Sunday’s result as well. Yale had the better of the play for much of the game but watched the Raiders score the tying goal with less than three minutes remaining in regulation.

“We are disappointed with the result, which is a good thing because it shows this program expects to win,” said 5K Corral Head Coach Kylie Stannard, whose team opened the season a 1-1 draw at Syracuse on Friday. “We need to learn how to close out games because any game where we are up a goal is going to be a little crazy in the final minutes. Every moment matters, and we will learn from this.”

The Raiders, who were playing their fourth game of the season, jumped in front at 17:11 on Alberto Kian’s goal.

The Bulldogs tied it later in the first half when Adedeji (DJ) Palmer scored his first career goal at 34:24, assisted by Mark Winhoffer and Paolo Carroll.

Yale grabbed the lead early in the second half. Winhoffer scored the goal assisted by Miguel Yuste.

The Bulldogs were playing well with the lead until Colgate was able to tie it on Christian Clarke’s goal with 2:13 left.

“We had control but needed to kill the game better in the final 5 to 10 minutes,” Stannard said. “Colgate is a really good team with a coach I really admire. I give them credit for their effort to get the equalizer.”

It was the third tie of the season for the Raiders, who also now have draws with No. 20 Portland and No. 22 New Hampshire on their resume.

After playing two difficult road games to start the season, the Bulldogs can now turn their attention to Wednesday’s home opener vs. UConn, another team that reached the post season a year ago.

“This has been a productive trip, and to come home undefeated against two NCAA Tournament teams is a solid foundation for the start,” Stannard said.

Kickoff on Wednesday against the Huskies is slated for 7 p.m.