KISSIMMEE, FL – Junior Carlos Kramer Silva picked a great time to score his first career goal as he notched the game-tying goal for the Roberts Wesleyan University Men's Soccer team in a 2-2 tie Tuesday afternoon against Wayland Baptist University in the first round of championship pool play in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Tournament in Florida.
The come-from-behind tie earned the Redhawks (9-7-2) a point in the pool play standings and sets up a matchup against Judson University Wednesday afternoon with the winner advancing to the championship semifinals of the tournament. A tie against Judson could also advance Roberts to the semifinal round depending on the tiebreakers and the total number of goals scored and goals allowed. Wayland and Judson played to a 1-1 tie Monday on the first day of the tournament.
Roberts and Judson will play at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Wayland (10-7-6) took advantage of a pair of first half goals to take the early lead. The first goal resulted from an intercepted pass just 25 yards in front of the Redhawks goal and the second came off a header from a well-placed corner kick.
"We dug ourselves into a little bit of a hole early," said Head Coach Scott Reber. "Even when we were down, we didn't give up and the guys kept playing hard."
Roberts cut the lead in half as time was running out in the first half.
"That goal was huge," said Reber. "We needed that going into the break and it allowed us to remain focused and we were all over them in the second half."
Sophomore Myles Palmer sent a crossing pass to junior Luke Hanes who buried the shot with just 29 seconds left in the opening half.
The tying goal came late in the second half as sophomore Takumi Horan looped a pass into the box that bounced around until Silva gathered in the loose ball and sent a shot into the back of the goal to knot the score at 2-2 with 5:42 left to play.
"We have talked about mental toughness all season," said Reber. "I wish we could have come away with a win but in a tournament like this the tie is a good result and we live to play another day."
Roberts held a commanding 21-13 edge in shots including a 12-4 edge in the second half.
Junior Eric Jewson made six saves including three on point-blank shots in the first half to keep Wayland Baptist in check.
"Judson is a quality team," said Reber. "We had a chance to see them play Monday and we need to bring our A-game tomorrow (Wednesday)."
