OREM, Utah – Utah Valley University and No. 12 Air Force played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Clyde Field in Western Athletic Conference men's soccer.
Paul Hoffmeister scored his second goal in as many matches for the Wolverines (4-8-2, 1-3-2), after securing the game-winner on Thursday against UMKC.
"It was an important point for this team tonight as we continue the final stretch in WAC play. I was very impressed with our resiliency and ability to stay focused after conceding a goal," head coach
Greg Maas said. "We responded with a fantastic goal — which really set the tone for the remainder of the game. Overall, I thought tonight was a very mature game between two very good teams."
Air Force (9-1-3, 3-0-2) took a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute, with Jaric Marton scoring from 13 yards out on a Tucker Bone assist. Bone faked a shot, drawing a pair of Wolverine defenders to commit, then led Marton into the box with just the keeper to beat.
Utah Valley got the equalizer in the closing minutes of the first half when Hoffmeister took a well-placed cross from
Connor Salmon and scored on a volley with his left foot.
Chandler Baddley fed Salmon, who lofted it towards the far post, where Hoffmeister found the narrowest of windows past Air Force goalkeeper John Wendt.
The Falcons finished with 12 shots, five on goal, while the Wolverines had six shots with two that were on frame. UVU goalkeeper
Joseph Wheelwright came up with a game-saving stop on a shot by Austin Guerrero in the 76th minute. Klint Parker rebounded the save with a header that sailed high on what was the last big threat for either team to earn the game-winner.
The Wolverines will play just one match next week, on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. MT against Houston Baptist. UVU has five points, one behind both Houston Baptist and UMKC, who are tied for sixth in the WAC standings. The Huskies host San José State on Sunday before coming to Orem for what will be a crucial match for both teams as they aim for a spot in the top seven and a berth in the WAC Tournament.
