CLARION, Pa. — The Golden Eagles soccer team jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but a pair of late goals by Seton Hill forced a draw as Clarion and the Griffins played to a 2-2 tie at Memorial Stadium.
Sofia Barba had the primary assist on both of Clarion's goals, booting free kicks toward the nets that her teammates converted just moments later. The first came in the 21st minute after a foul set the Golden Eagles up well within midfield; Barba lobbed a ball toward the net and
Mia Valerio drove past the defense, kicking the ball past goalkeeper Rhys Caplinger to make it 1-0.
Barba had another primary assist in the 26th minute, this time setting up
Leah Deal. Barba's free kick from the left side went into heavy traffic, with Deal leaping up and making contact. The ball pinballed off two defenders and eventually off the side of Deal's head, ricocheting back into the net to make it 2-10.
Earlier, the Golden Eagles put Seton Hill under pressure from 11:17 to 16:59, earning two corner kicks and taking five shots, including a
Ciara DiMauro attempt saved by Caplinger. After the Golden Eagles moved ahead by two, Seton Hill answered with a late attacking stretch that included two corners and three shots, but
Sage Sherk made a save at 38:26 and the Golden Eagles kept Seton Hill off the board. DiMauro added another attempt in the final minute, and the Golden Eagles went into halftime leading 2-0.
The Goldne Eagles had a number of golden chances to add onto their lead, but ultimately Seton Hill scored twice in the final four minutes to leave the match tied 2-2. The Golden Eagles opened the second half with sustained pressure, taking four shots and earning a corner from 46:26 to 51:23, including three attempts by
Ciara DiMauro and a saved shot in the 51st minute. On that play, DiMauro ripped a hard shot inside the box that hit Caplinger flush in the chest, flying away on the rebound to safety.
Sage Sherk helped preserve the 2-0 margin through a physical stretch, stopping Abby Myers at 68:20 as Seton Hill created several chances. The Golden Eagles answered with another attacking push from 75:11 to 78:37, highlighted by
Nadia Gill hitting the right woodwork on a free kick, and later attempts from Gill and
MaKenna Doran. Riley Baker scored for Seton Hill at 86:42, and Madison Delauter tied it at 89:55 off assists from Katie Pazdziorko and Binta Sow as the half ended 2-2.
