ABERDEEN, S.D. (macbulldogs.com) --- The McPherson College men's soccer team saw a late rally fall just short Monday afternoon, falling 3-2 to the University of Providence (Mont.) at the Presentation College Labor Day Classic.
The Argos (1-1) struck first as Adrian Gomez scored off a corner kick in the 16th minute. Luis Macias added a goal in the 42nd minute to give Providence a 2-0 advantage at the break.
The Bulldogs cut into the Argos' lead with a goal in the 59th minute by
Christopher Kelly (Glasgow, Scotland, St. Ambrose HS) off an assist by
Marcus Brasley (Frisco, Texas, Centennial HS).
Providence pushed their advantage back to two goals in the 76th as George Almedia headed an Adrian Gomez corner kick past a diving
Jose Alonso (Wichita, Kan., Derby HS), but Kelly responded with his second tally of the day four minutes later to cut the deficit to back to one goal at 3-2.
McPherson challenged late including a shot by Brasley that ricocheted off the crossbar with just over five minutes to play. The final few minutes saw a flurry of chances for the Bulldogs in front of the goal, but they were unable to connect.
The Bulldogs held a 22-17 edge in shots overall, including a 16-9 advantage in shots on goal and 14-3 advantage in shots in the second half. McPherson also had a 7-6 lead in corner kicks, with all of the Bulldogs' opportunities coming in the second half.
Kelly led all players with six shots, while
Hernan Maldonado (National City, Calif., San Diego Mesa College) and
Greg Roller (Topeka, Kan., Pratt CC) added four each.
Diego Loza (San Diego, Calif., San Diego Mesa College) also had three.
Alonso was credited with five saves while playing a full 90 minutes.
Gomez led Providence with four shots, including two on goal, while Christopher Chavez had three. Argo goalkeeper Marc Girones was credited with 14 saves.
The Bulldogs return home to face Columbia College at 3 p.m. Saturday at The Kennel. Like McPherson, Columbia (1-2) was receiving votes in the NAIA Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Top 25.
