NUTC FC earns hard-fought draw

Sometimes, soccer is a numbers game. The team that has the more players is usually at an advantage. When NUTC FC showed up to its game against AE Pi A with 10 players, things looked grim. When they conceded a goal in the first half, things looked dire.But a goalkeeping switch and a brilliant angled shot allowed NUTC FC to salvage a 1-1 draw from a difficult position. Noah found himself in goal for the first time all season after NUTC had conceded five goals in its opening three halves. Perhaps stability at keeper was all NUTC FC needed, as the team played excellent counter-attacking soccer in the second half. They were rewarded when Patrick's run down the left flank found him in a sliver of space near the penalty area. He unleashed a low, angled shot that beat the keeper and leveled the contest with little time remaining. Both teams had good chances, but the game ended in a hard-fought draw.However, AE Pi will probably rue not taking advantage of their chances in the first half. NUTC FC threw everything into defending, scrapping for every ball and trying to stay in front of everything. NUTC conceded anyway thanks to a fine bit of play off a long throw from AE Pi, but the damage was limited.With center attacking midfielder Cool Mike returning from an illness, NUTC picked up the pace in the second half. The game was far more even with John L. making runs down the flank and Noah making huge stops in the net. AE Pi were frustrated by the dogged resistance of the NuTC defence and eventually let a counterattacking run from Patrick slip through the cracks. Patrick's low shot beat the keeper and NUTC had tied it at 1-1.NUTC FC had the better of the chances in the final five minutes but couldn't inch ahead. Still, a solid effort from both teams and a good momentum builder for NUTC FC heading into their next game against a winless Mat Sci and Friends team.