Belluch Scores Late to Lift Gophers to 1-1 Draw with Rosemont

Sept. 9 – ROSEMONT, Pa. – For the third time in their first four games of the season, the Goucher men's soccer team used a late-regulation goal to earn a favorable decision, as the Gophers earned a 1-1 draw at Rosemont College on Friday evening.

Just four minutes after the Ravens had taken the lead on a penalty kick in the 82^nd minute, Goucher (2-0-2) responded with a big goal from senior Ryan Belluch in the 86^th minute to force overtime.

The first half was played even, with the two sides combining for 15 shots. The Gophers tallied eight tries in the opening 45 minutes, with three coming on net, while the Ravens placed six of their seven shots on goal. Sophomore Daniel Hendry play well in the frame, stopping all six shots.

Rosemont was the first team to crack the scoreboard, as a foul in the box prompted a penalty shot for Luis Castillo. Castillo converted, making it just the second time this season that Hendry has allowed a goal, and the Gophers trailed 1-0 with under 10 to play in the game.

Goucher once again found their late-game magic in the 86^th minute. Belluch tallied his first goal of the season, taking a cross from junior Drew Phillips and finishing at the near post to knot the game at 1-1.

Belluch is the fifth-different Gopher to find the score card in just four games this season, notching his third-career tally. The goal also tied for the latest-goal for the Gophers this season, as his goal came at exactly the same time on the clock as Phillips' game winner over Penn State-Harrisburg on Tuesday (85:18).

In the overtime periods, both teams had their chances, but solid play by both net-minders kept the score deadlocked as full time was reached. Rosemont's keeper, Zach Bowe, made four saves in the overtime frames, while Hendry tallied a pair. Each goalie finished with nine-total saves.

Hendry has played at a high level through the first four games of the season, leading the Landmark conference in total saves (35), while ranking fourth in the conference in save percentage (.946).

The Gopher defense has been equally impressive in their protection of Hendry. The team has allowed just two goals in 400 minutes of action. Their 0.41 goals-against average currently ranks fourth in the conference.

Goucher will return to the pitch on Sunday, September 11 as they play host to Hood College. The matchup with the Blazers is slated for a 1:00 p.m. start.