CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jacksonville men's soccer battled back from an early deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Queens on Saturday evening.
Matias Tobon delivered the equalizer in the 76th minute, scoring his team-leading fourth goal of the season off an assist from Iver Skorve. The result moved Jacksonville to 3-2-1 overall and 0-1-1 in ASUN play while keeping the Dolphins unbeaten on the road at 2-0-1.
Jacksonville applied pressure immediately, with Tobon producing the first three shot attempts of the match during the opening seven minutes. His third opportunity forced a save from Queens goalkeeper Matthew Bademian.
The Royals broke through in the 18th minute when Cole Pumpian scored off an assist from Isaac Chromey. Queens carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime despite four first-half saves from Simen Havig.
Havig continued to keep Jacksonville within striking distance after the break, turning away two more Queens attempts during the opening 19 minutes of the second half.
The Dolphins found their response at the 75:52 mark. Skorve connected with Tobon, who finished the opportunity to pull Jacksonville level. The goal moved Tobon into the outright team lead with four, while Skorve recorded his first assist of the season.
Both sides created late opportunities to take the lead. Havig made two saves over the final nine minutes, while Romain Spailier placed a shot on goal in the 86th minute that was stopped by Bademian.
Havig finished with a season-high eight saves, recording four in each half. Tobon led Jacksonville with four shots and two attempts on goal, while Spailier added two shots and one on target.
Queens held a 14-6 advantage in shots and a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. The Royals also finished with three corner kicks compared to two for Jacksonville.
The draw marked Jacksonville's first result in three visits to Queens.
Jacksonville returns home to host Lipscomb on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. at Southern Oak Stadium.
