WASHINGTON – After a scoreless first half, it was a flurry of second half goals from both sides that helped American University men's soccer to a 2-2 draw with the Virginia Commonwealth Rams to open the 2023 home slate. Senior Nevin Baer and sophomore Troy Elgersma netted the Eagles' two goals in the game. 
 
QUICK NOTABLES

• Baer's goal was the third of his career and Elgersma's goal was his second career goal.
• Freshman Reyes Parra recorded his first collegiate assist Friday, assisting on the Eagles' first goal of the game.
• The final three goals of the game were all scored within five minutes of each other.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• VCU took the first shot of the game in the third minute, looking to get ahead early but American's goalkeeper Dominic Dominguez was there to make the save.
• The Eagles best chance in the first half came in the 31st minute off a shot from senior Robbie Matei, but his shot hit the side post of the goal keeping the game scoreless.
• American closed the first half of the game outshooting the Rams 7-2.
• The Rams found the back of the net early in the second half, taking a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute.
• Three straight corner attempts for the Eagles helped them net the equalizer in the 78th minute, when Baer sent the ball into the back of the net off a corner kick cross from Parra.
• VCU answered quickly in the 79th minute to take a 2-1 lead.
• The Eagles continued to push to find an answer to the Ram's goal, finding the equalizer in the 82^nd minute from Elgersma. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• American held the 11-6 shot advantage.
• VCU's yellow card was the lone card of the game.
• The Eagles held the 4-3 corner advantage.
• Sophomore Sebastian Garces led American with two shots. 

POSTGAME WITH COACH SAMOL


UP NEXT

• American remains at home on Tuesday, Sept. 5 for a 4 p.m. game against West Virginia University.

KEEP UP WITH US

• For the latest on American University Men's Soccer, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MSoccer), and Instagram (@au.msoccer).