Cougars Score Late to Tie Judson in Season Opener

(Elgin, IL)-- A new era of Cleary men's soccer began Friday evening, as the Cleary Cougars opened their 2022 season with a trip to Elgin, Illinois to take on the Judson University Eagles in a non-conference matchup.

The game started with both teams trying to establish themselves early on.  Cleary would control the game over the first 20 minutes, but were unable to create any dangerous chances.  Judson would find their footing, and start to control the game the rest of the first half, creating multiple dangerous chances in the closing minutes of the first half.  A goal line clearance would keep the game scoreless, and both teams would head into halftie tied 0-0.

In the second half, Cleary would get on the board first, when Diego Aguirre scored his 1st career goal (unassisted) just 17 minutes into the half.  Judson would respond with a pair of goals over the next 12 minutes to take a 2-1 lead.  With time running out, Cleary began to push numbers forward to attempt to find the equalizing goal.  With numbers forward, freshman Benji Sulcas found defender Liam Coyle, who slotted it into the net with just 87 seconds left in the game.  Cleary was able to withstand a late Eagles push for the winner, and held on to earn a 2-2 draw in the game.

"The guys were warriors tonight," said coach Dan Bulley.  "The fact that some hadn't played for two seasons...they wanted to be there.  They showed up to play.  I couldn't be happier with our first outing with a depleted squad.  We have lots to learn, but will enjoy this result tonight before looking at St. Francis on Sunday."

Vaios Papadoudis (0-0-1) made 3 saves in goal for Cleary.  Diego Aguirre and Liam Coyle's goals wer their first of the season, while Alex Baksh, Thomas Kanouna, and Lesman Morazan each added shots on goal. Judson attempted 21 shots to Cleary's 6 shot attempts.  Coach Bulley named Liam Coyle as the Man of the Match for his late heroics, and for his presence on the defensive end.

The game was also the first for head coach Dan Bulley.  

Cleary will next be in action on Sunday, August 21, when they head to Joliet, Illinois to take on the St. Francis Saints.  Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET.