SEARCY, Ark. - The Jets Men's soccer team began their two stop trip to Arkansas on Thursday night when they played the 2-9-1 Harding Bisons. The match would be a grueling one, as a number of clock stops kept the teams on the field for a lot longer than they're used to. A late pair of goals scored within a minute of each other would see the game end in a 1-1 draw, as the Jets improve their record to 1-11-2 on the season.
First Half
The game opened up with some fast paced back and forth action up the midfield, but the first shot wouldn't arrive until 9 minutes in. A great save by Keeper Juan Carlos Cordova kept Harding out of the net, and the former GAC player of the week grabbed another save immediately after as the Bisons took a corner kick. Newman wouldn't be able to get many shots off this half, but would see some solid attacking runs to keep the pressure on.
Matthew Roberts would provide the Jets with their first shot of the game as he launched the ball to the upper left corner in the 31st minute, but it was saved. After some more back and forth play, the Jets had to go back on defense, with another save by Cordova 8 minutes later and a shot that hit the far post in the last minute of the half keeping Harding out of the net for the half.
Second Half
The final half of the game kicked off with immediate action as Newman was awarded a free kick just as play began. The Jets would get their chances few and far between however, with Harding beginning to press much harder as they grew desperate for a lead. Some very intense playing led to a lot of clock stops and yellow cards awarded to both sides, making the next 27 minutes of play some of the hardest for both teams all season.
The Jets back line shined however, and some wonderful defending in the 72nd minute put a stop to a dangerous run of opportunities from the hosting Bison. Another shot by Roberts in the 85th minute finally got the ball on the other side of the field, but Harding was able to counterattack and score the first goal, going up 1-0. After the Harding bench cleared to celebrate their goal, the Jets would immediately answer back, with Senior Defender Diego Feitosa scoring his first goal of the season off an assist by Felix Tellez Ramirez. Newman's defense would continue to hold strong and they would close out the game with a 1-1 draw.
Next up
The Jets Men's team continues their road trip to Arkansas this Saturday at 12 PM when they take on the Ouachita Baptist Tigers before they return home a week later to play in one of just two remaining home games for the 2022 season.
