HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – Patrick Kelleher scored his first career goal as the Centenary University men's soccer team battled Gwynedd Mercy University to a 1-1 draw Wednesday afternoon at J.E. Reeves Jr. Field.
The Cyclones came out strong offensively, creating several scoring opportunities throughout the opening half. Jayron Brown put a shot on goal in the 12th minute before Elliott Tillinghast tested the Gwynedd Mercy goalkeeper in the 17th. Aedan Dorwart added another opportunity in the 26th minute, but the Griffins kept Centenary off the scoreboard.
Gwynedd Mercy broke the scoreless tie in the 30th minute when Luke O'Donnell found the back of the net off an assist from Adam Leal to give the Griffins a 1-0 advantage.
Centenary answered just over 10 minutes later. Following a corner kick, Tony Garcia connected with Kelleher, who scored his first career goal in the 41st minute to even the match at 1-1 heading into halftime. Both teams continued to battle for the go-ahead goal in the second half. Shane Gambarony tested Gwynedd Mercy goalkeeper Cody Sell in the 52nd minute, while Jimmy Curran came up with two important saves in the 56th and 57th minutes to keep the match even.
Centenary continued to create opportunities down the stretch, with Colin Hayes putting a shot on goal in the 77th minute. The Cyclones were unable to find the game-winner as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Cyclones finished with 19 shots, including six on goal, while Gwynedd Mercy recorded 20 shots and five on goal. Tillinghast led Centenary with four shots, while Gambarony and Hayes added three apiece. Gavin Veres and Curran split time in goal, recording two saves each. Centenary also held a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.
With the draw, Centenary moves to 3-7-2 overall and 0-1-1 in conference play.
