Despite going down a goal in the second half against a physical Triton, the College of DuPage men’s soccer team was able to find an answer late in the second half to finish the game with a 1-1 tie. Although the Chaparrals have struggled to capture a win in the last four games, COD was able to find the back of the net with a shot from outside the box to avoid a loss to make their record 1-3-4.

“I don’t believe that we should’ve been one down to begin with,” head men’s soccer coach Zac Ludwig said. “We are certainly the more talented team, and I think we came up short to find the intestinal fortitude to fight through some of the moments that could’ve made a difference.”

After having only played 15 minutes into the first half, the game took an unexpected turn when the referees had a three-minute stoppage due to the coaches on both sides having a concern about the game balls being deflated.

Shortly after the stoppage, COD’s freshman forward Erwin Morales was able to find a clear shot near the penalty spot to score after receiving a one touch pass from Archie Murphy. The goal was later waved off by the sideline referee due to Morales scoring from an offside position.

The rest of the first half of the match consisted of unforced errors and struggles in the final third with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm.

With 18 minutes left in the second half, a controversial no-call handball committed by Triton off a deflection near the penalty area led to many COD players expressing their frustration along with roars from the crowd.

“We just have to control what we can control,” said sophomore Guy DeFeo. 

In addition, head coach Ludwig stated, “Whatever one’s opinion is on the call doesn’t affect the outcome; so it’s our job to overcome anything.”

Triton secured a goal in the 76th minute with the help of Pablo Mancha’s shot from the middle of the box to give the Trojans a 1-0 lead.

Although it appeared Triton may have done enough to secure the win, COD fought its way back into the game after freshman midfielder Joseph Kim put up a long-range shot from outside of the box that hit the top of the crossbar and found its way over the goal line to make the score 1-1.

“We were down 1-0, and I had the ball in the midfield, and I thought we have to score to bring our spirits up and blasted it, and once it went in I was happy,” Kim said. “We could’ve been more aggressive and more hungry about it [the game]. We have to start the game how we finish.”

With the help of Kim’s spectacular goal with only seven minutes left, the match ended in a 1-1 tie, making the Chap’s new record 1-3-4. The Chaparrals will take on Moraine Valley Community College with a record of 3-4 at 11 a.m. on Sept. 23 in Palo Hills, Ill.