Columbia Plays Penn to 1-1 Draw

Sunday, October 13

New York, N.Y.

1:00 P.M.

Columbia University

3-4-3, 1-0-1

Penn

4-3-2, 1-0-1

Penn

Columbia

Uri Zeitz dribbles by Penn's Brandon Bartel in Sunday afternoon's contest.

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics/Mike McLaughlin

10/13/2019 4:50:00 PM | Men's Soccer

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Zeitz scores third goal, Lions pick up a point

NEW YORK — Columbia first-year midfielder Uri Zeitz scored 38 seconds into Sunday afternoon's Ivy League men's soccer match against Penn and the two sides played through two overtimes before ending in a 1-1 draw at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

The result moves both Columbia (1-0-1 Ivy) and Penn (1-0-1 Ivy) to four points in the Ivy League standings, two points behind league-leading Yale (2-0-0 Ivy). Cornell (1-1 Ivy) and Dartmouth (1-1) are tied for fourth with three points.

"I think there were moments where we followed our game plan and our tactics and created opportunities that we were looking for, and then there were moments where they dictated the game," Columbia head coach Kevin Anderson said. "That's how every game goes but we've got to grab points. Tonight, I don't think we earned more than we got. We have to accept that we didn't create enough opportunities to walk away with more than a point."

Zeitz's early strike was created by a cross sent in on the ground by John Denis. Junior Avi Eller got a toe to the cross right in front of goal at the near post that was saved away by Penn's Dane Jacomen. The deflection off the keeper bounced right to Zeitz, who blasted a hard first-time shot into the roof of the net for his third goal of the campaign.

The Lions held onto that lead for a little more than 10 minutes. Penn's Jake Kohlbrenner gained possession just outside the top of the area and slipped a pass in behind the back line for Joey Bhangdia racing in from the left side. Bhangdia slotted his shot first time with his right foot past Michael Collodi, leveling the contest on his sixth goal of the year.

"Whether you are ahead in the game or behind, the mentality of the group has to remain the same," Anderson added. "That is one of the areas we keep focusing on – having a mentality and being resilient and sticking to our game plan. Give credit to our opponent. I think for a portion of it, they had the better of the play."

Penn had a slight advantage in possession through the first half but neither side had too many looks at goal. Columbia's best chance to take the lead before the half came off another shot from Zeitz, whose right-footed shot off a delivery to the far post was saved by Jacomen.

The two sides continued to trade possession in the midfield through the majority of the second half. A free kick delivery into the box resulted in a headed shot for Will Todd that was easily collected by the Penn keeper. Sophomore Sebastian Gunbeyi attempted a more acrobatic left-footed shot form inside the box in the 77th minute that sailed high of the target.

Penn's most dangerous opportunity came moments later. Brandon Bartel delivered a free kick into the area from near midfield that was headed around the box before settling for Isaac McGinnis 18 yards from goal. McGinnis shot a bouncing ball through that came to Kohlbrenner in the six-yard box. Kohlbrenner turned and fired a left-footed shot that required a diving save from Collodi. The rebound came right back to Kohlbrenner, who beat Collodi with his second attempt but did not beat first-year defender Keenan Foley, who cleared it off the line.

Despite the drama from the near score, the goal would have never counted as the assistant referee's flag was up for offside.

The two 10-minute overtimes didn't supply a winner for either team.

Columbia continues Ivy League play on Saturday with a trip to Princeton. Kickoff from Roberts Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m.

For the latest on the Columbia men's soccer program, follow @ColumbiaMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaMensSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.