LOUDONVILLE, NY – Senior striker Alexander Tejera scored the game-tying goal with just 1:47 remaining in regulation to rally Siena Soccer to a 2-2 tie with George Mason in the home opener at Siena Turf Field. The Patriots had taken the lead just 55 seconds earlier in a match where three of the four goals scored came within the final three minutes of each half.

 

Siena (0-1-2) held commanding advantages in both shots (25-12) and corners (9-4). The Saints also held a decisive 11-2 margin in shots on goal, but George Mason (2-1-1) made both of theirs count as Siena was forced to settle for a program record fifth consecutive overtime match dating back to last season. 

 

Sophomore midfielder Carter Haydock gave the Saints a huge momentum boost at the end of the first half, when he opened the scoring with just 24.4 seconds left in the stanza. Classmate Diego Ruiz’s shot in front was blocked, but Haydock was right there to finish the rebound in traffic for his first collegiate goal.

 

The Patriots netted the equalizer from Noah Kemble just under five minutes into the second half, and then took a 2-1 lead with just 2:42 left when Henning Dirks deflected in Tunde Akinlosotu’s shot in front.

 

But resilient Siena would not fold as less than a minute later sophomore back Frank Cotroneo set up Tejera at the top of the 18. Tejera corralled the pass, turned, fired, and scored just inside the far left post to draw the Saints even. With the score, Tejera moved into a tie for ninth place all-time in program history in both goals (17) and points (44).

 

Corey Chambers made nine saves in an impressive performance in goal for George Mason.

 

Siena continues its first of two season long three-match homestands Wednesday when the Saints host Holy Cross at Siena Turf Field at 2:30 p.m.