DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont University men’s soccer team rallied from a two goal deficit in the second half to stun Belhaven 3-2.
The Lions saw their best chance of the first half in the 18th minute when Davis Knight snuck in behind the back line for a one-on-one chance with the keeper. The Blazers’ Max Rudolph stood tall, denying the opening goal. Just over seven minutes later, Belhaven opened the scoring to make it 1-0.
Piedmont spent the remainder of the half under fire, attempting to escape to the break. However, an own goal cost the Lions a second as the first 45 concluded. The Lions trailed 8-3 in first half shots.
In the 64th minute the Lions found life. Off of a save, Brady Puckett earned the Lions a penalty kick after he was tackled from behind by the keeper. Jason Aussin took full advantage from the spot to bury the chance in the bottom right corner. Puckett was not finished as just minutes later he equalized the game off a great ball from Cristi Pascuru.
66’ | PUCKETT! 🤠🤠
The equalizer!!
Piedmont 2, Belhaven 2 pic.twitter.com/d5Z963swgd
— Piedmont University Men’s Soccer (@PiedmontMSOC) October 21, 2023
Needing a goal, the Lions pressed hard in the final 20, holding four high. Their efforts were rewarded when Colin Vogel played a beautiful ball over the top to Delroy Mattis who capped off the opportunity to give his squad a 3-2 lead. The final minutes were spent on the Piedmont end but Bobby Wood collected one last ball to seal the win.
88’ | HOW’S THAT FOR A COMEBACK?!
Piedmont 3, Belhaven 2 pic.twitter.com/KS52oVjQpL
— Piedmont University Men’s Soccer (@PiedmontMSOC) October 21, 2023
Up next, the Lions await their official placement in the CCS tournament. The tournament quarterfinals begin Wednesday, October 25.
“𝐁𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭”
Delroy Mattis delivered in his big moment with the 88th minute game winner
🎤 ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/3vZFF1Gapq
— Piedmont University Men’s Soccer (@PiedmontMSOC) October 21, 2023
TURNING POINT:
– Senior Brady Puckett drew a penalty kick opportunity that junior Jason Aussin put away to give the Lions life.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Bobby Wood kept Piedmont in the game multiple times, making seven key saves on the day.
– Senior Brady Puckett drew a penalty and scored the second goal to equalize the game.
– Delroy Mattis put away the game winner off the assist from Colin Vogel.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
– Piedmont and Belhaven both had nine shots in the second half.
– All three of Piedmont’s goals came in the second.
