Ben Stevenson punches away a corner kick.
Goalkeeper(s) Lead Geoducks to 1-1 Draw
It was a big day for The Evergreen State College goalkeepers on Thursday as the Geoducks earned a 1-1 double overtime draw with visiting Thompson Rivers University at Geoduck Pitch.
Ben Stevenson came up with seven saves - several of the spectacular variety - to keep the WolfPack at bay, and reserve keeper Jorge Villegas scored Evergreen's goal during a stint at forward.
The match was the season opener for the Geoducks (0-0-1), while the contest served as an exhibition for the visitors from Kamloops, British Columbia.
The WolfPack had the run of the contest, firing a total of 22 shots compared to just three for the hosts, but the Evergreen defense held firm for almost all of the 110 minutes. Thompson Rivers finally broke the scoreless tie at 76:01 when Jason Staiger knocked home the rebound of Colton Walker's wicked drive that rebounded off of the crossbar.
Less than two minutes later - in fact at the 77:32 mark - Villegas knotted the score with a 12-yard shot from out in front. Ryan Mulnick collected a loose ball in the box with his back to the goal and laid it off to Villegas to knock past Alex Ram.
Stevenson bossed his goal in the remaining time. With 9:45 to play in regulation he made a brilliant reaction save from Ryan Glanville's quick turn-and-shoot effort from close range, and then with 6:22 left in the first overtime period he stuck out his left foot like an ice hockey goalie to keep Justin Donaldson's shot from ending the contest.
The WolfPack not only owned a 22-3 advantage in shots, it also took 13 corner kicks to just two for the hosts.
Evergreen returns to action on Aug. 28 with another non-conference game against Willamette University in Salem, Ore.