STOCKTON, Calif. – Three goals in a frantic second half, including freshman
Xavier Cisneros' second brace of the season, propelled the Pacific men's soccer team to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Seattle on Wednesday evening in the West Coast Conference opener from Knoles Field.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Tigers (1-7-3, 0-0-1 WCC) flipped the match on its head after the break, scoring three times in less than 17 minutes to surge ahead 3-1. Seattle (3-3-3, 0-0-2 WCC) responded with two late goals to ultimately split the points in the first-ever clash between the two programs in Stockton.
Cisneros finished the match with two goals and an assist, factoring into all three Pacific scores. His two-goal performance marked his second brace of the season after previously accomplishing the feat against San José State. Freshman
Jackson Montero also made a significant impact from the back line with assists on Pacific's final two goals of the night.
The Tigers found themselves playing from behind right out of the gate when Leonardo Flores put Seattle ahead just two minutes into the contest with one of his three goals on the night.
Pacific wasted little time changing the complexion of the match in the second half. The Tigers earned a penalty kick less than five minutes after the restart, and Cisneros stepped up and converted in the 50th minute to level the score at 1-1.
Cisneros' first goal at home this season ignited an explosive stretch for the Tigers. Just under eight minutes later, Pacific grabbed its first lead. Cisneros helped create the opportunity, combining with Montero to set up sophomore
Josephat Yangyuoru, who finished in the 58th minute for his third goal of the season and a 2-1 edge.
In the 67th minute, Cisneros struck again. Freshman
Fateh Singh and Montero combined to find the Pacific forward, who delivered his second goal of the night and pushed the Tigers ahead, 3-1.
The frantic pace continued as Seattle answered less than six minutes later. Flores scored his second in the 72nd minute to cut Pacific's advantage to 3-2 and set up a tense final stretch.
Pacific battled to protect the lead as the Redhawks increased the pressure. Sophomore goalkeeper
Alejandro Caracheo Luna and the Tigers' defense weathered a series of late Seattle opportunities, but the visitors eventually earned a penalty kick in the 88th minute. Flores converted from the spot to complete his hat trick and pull the match even at 3-3.
Pacific finished even with Seattle in total shots at ten apiece, while Caracheo Luna registered three saves in his second straight start in goal.
The Tigers look ahead to continuing WCC play with Santa Clara on deck next from Knoles Field. Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. on Saturday.
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