SALEM, OR. – The UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs played to a 2-2 draw against Willamette University on Wednesday night in a competitive match on the road. Both teams exchanged goals early in the first half, but despite UCSC controlling much of the second half, Willamette equalized late with a PK to force the draw. The result moves the Banana Slugs to 3-0-3 on the season.
 
How It Happened
The match got off to a fast start with Willamette striking first, scoring just three minutes into the game to take the early lead. UCSC responded quickly as Zander Crawford scored the equalizer in the 6th minute to bring the game back to level terms with both teams off to a blistering start. The Banana Slugs then grabbed the lead in the 20th minute when Acer Cristea, assisted by Joaquin Greenberg, found the back of the net to make it 2-1, swerving through the defense to put the Slugs on top.
 
On the defensive end, UCSC goalkeeper Tobias Jacobson-Bell played a pivotal role, making four crucial saves in the first half to preserve the lead going into halftime.
 
UC Santa Cruz largely controlled the tempo in the second half, firing eight shots to Willamette's five. Jacobson-Bell continued his solid performance with two more saves. Despite their dominance, the Slugs couldn't find a third goal and Willamette capitalized on a late opportunity, scoring the equalizer in the 82nd minute on a penalty kick. Neither team could break the deadlock in the final minutes, resulting in the 2-2 draw.
 
By the Numbers
                  •               Shots: UCSC – 15 (3 on target), Willamette – 16 (8 on target)
                  •               Corners: UCSC – 3, Willamette – 4
                  •               Fouls: UCSC – 6, Willamette – 1
                  •               Saves: UCSC (Tobias Jacobson-Bell) – 6
 
What's Next
The Banana Slugs will travel to Southern California for their next match against the University of La Verne on September 18th, as they look to remain unbeaten this season.