Vrh's Equalizer Earns Minutemen Draw vs. Defending A-10 Champions

AMHERST, Mass. -- The Minutemen (6-2-4, 2-1-1 A10) fought down to the wire against the defending Atlantic 10 Champions on Wednesday, rallying in the final moments to earn a draw against Dayton (5-1-3, 1-0-2 A10) at Rudd Field.

Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week honorable mention Ivan Vrh found net in the second-consecutive match, earning the equalizer for UMass in the 88th minute of action. Massachusetts out-shot Dayton 8-4 in shots on goal.

Breaking Down the Action

The Minutemen put on the pressure early in the first half, tallying the first three shots on goal to force Dario Caetano to make the first three saves of the contest.
UMass conceded the first goal of the day when Cooper Lijewski converted on a setup from Hjalti Sigurdsson in the 27th minute.
Alec Hughes made his return to the pitch after missing two games, firing a shot on goal in the 28th minute that was barely halted by Caetano.
Both sides were able to increase the defensive intensity as the first half wound down, with no additional shots on goal allowed heading into the break.
Alex Geczy recorded his first save of the match after halting a shot fired by Geni Kanyane in the 55th minute.
Massachusetts would rattle off three shots on goal leading up to the 87th minute, but Caetano was able to make the stop on all three attacks.
Ivan Vrh played the role of the late-game hero in the 88th minute, heading in a corner kick from Mike Willis to level the score at 1-1.
Joseph Melto Quiah was able to send one last-second chance at goal for the Flyers, with Geczy making the clutch save to secure the draw.

Up Next
UMass hits the road on Oct. 12 to take on Davidson in Davidson, N.C. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. with action streaming live on ESPN+

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