Tempers flare in dramatic 3-3 tie v. Saint Rose

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Photo courtesy of Lindsay Giovannone

The men’s soccer team celebrates after a goal against St. Rose, West Haven, Sept. 28, 2022.

A back-and-forth battle on Wednesday night between New Haven and Saint Rose resulted in a high-scoring, dramatic draw at Kathy Zolad Stadium. It was a tough, gritty game, highlighted by ejections and red cards. The Chargers showed promise as they took the lead into the second half for the first time this season. With the draw, New Haven now stands at 0-5-4 (0-2-3 NE10).

New Haven struck first in this match on a penalty kick following a red card issued to Saint Rose defenseman Victor Henriksen. Sophomore Adam Lindstrom buried the ball in the right corner of the net for his first goal of the season, giving New Haven an early 1-0 lead.

The remainder of the first half was mainly controlled by New Haven, outshooting Saint Rose 9-2. The Golden Knights did not register a shot on goal for the first 45 minutes of play, giving the Chargers a great opportunity for their first win of the season.

New Haven came out with the same energy to start the second half, setting the tone early when midfielder Devon Polletta made his first career goal, assisted across the net by midfielder Chris Chyzowych to stretch New Haven’s lead to two.. Chyzowych added a goal of his own less than two minutes later just past the hands of Saint Rose goalkeeper Tomas Rozman.

Saint Rose got on the board after a successful penalty kick from midfielder Andrew Lule which cut the deficit down to two. The penalty kick resulted from a red card issued to New Haven goalkeeper Themis Kastoris, who was ejected from the game, sending in Ryan Lunn to take over the net. Lunn registered his first three career saves, including a clutch stop in the 86th minute to keep their lead at one.

Just a minute later, Saint Rose took advantage of another penalty kick by forward Hilmar Halldorsson to tie the game at three with just three minutes left to play.

Following the goal, New Haven found themselves with another prime scoring chance on a perfectly executed bicycle kick to give them the lead in the final seconds by Derik Meza, which was denied by Saint Rose, ending the game even at three.

It was a step in the right direction for the Chargers, outshooting Saint Rose 14-12 with sophomore Alexander Gunnarson leading the way with five shots and Lindstrom leading with three shots on goal.

New Haven will stay at home for their next matchup against Southern New Hampshire on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff will be at 4 p.m. as the Chargers look to get their first of the season. More information can be found at newhavenchargers.com.