THROGGS NECK, NY – The Maritime College men's soccer team honored its eight graduating seniors prior to Tuesday night's matchup with Purchase. The Privateers (4-6-4, 3-2-4 Skyline) then got an early goal five minutes into the contest before the Panthers (1-11-4, 0-5-4 Skyline) scored a late equalizer to earn a 1-1 draw at Reinhart Field.
It was one of Maritime's seniors who notched that early strike. In the fifth minute,
Georgios Tsatalios (Athens, Greece) sent a blast from the right side and past Purchase goalkeeper Ryder Lucas to put the Privateers in front 1-0. Another senior,
Christopher Laino (West Islip, NY) nearly doubled the advantage seconds later. His attempt sailed just high, however. Despite outshooting the Panthers 14-2 in the opening 45 minutes, Maritime's lead was still just 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, the Privateers peppered Lucas with 12 more shots. Maritime was unable to sneak another one by him, though. Purchase then tied the score in the 85
th minute when Omar Ait Sidi Ahmed sent a header into the box and Dante Spinella put home a half volley. That's how it would finish, as the Privateers and Panthers played to a draw for the second straight season.
Tsatalios found the back of the net for the fourth time this year.
Aidan Slovensky (Manorville, NY) (4-6-4), meanwhile, was credited with four saves. Lucas (0-9-3) made eight saves for Purchase, and Spinella's goal was his second of the season.
There are two games remaining in the regular season—both on the road. Maritime visits Mount St. Vincent (9-4-2, 8-1-1 Skyline) at 12 p.m. on Saturday.
