Cornell men’s soccer was forced to settle for a draw on Tuesday night when facility lighting problems brought its match against UMass to an early end at Berman Field.
The Big Red and Minutemen finished level after 74 minutes and 16 seconds, with the game officially stopped with 15 minutes and 44 seconds remaining in regulation. The match was not resumed, leaving Cornell with a 6-2-1 record while UMass moved to 4-5-3.
UMass took a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute when Matt Hawkins finished a pass from Thomas Wadas. Cornell had created more pressure during the opening half, holding advantages of 7-5 in shots and 5-2 in corner kicks, but entered halftime trailing.
Cornell quickly responded after the break. Justin Melly set up Blake Donahue for the equalizer at 49:31, bringing the Big Red level just seconds after UMass received its third yellow card.
Cornell controlled play from there, recording six shots on target among its seven attempts in the second half. UMass managed just one shot after halftime.
UMass goalkeeper Crew Hartlage kept Cornell from taking the lead, making five consecutive saves following Donahue’s goal. Hartlage denied attempts from Melly, Adam Schaban, Donahue, Aidan Martin and Bennett Wehibe.
Filip Versterre played the entire match in goal for Cornell and made one save.
UMass was called for 15 fouls and received four yellow cards, while Cornell committed eight fouls without receiving a card.
Cornell returns to Berman Field Saturday to host Penn at 4 p.m. as Ivy League play resumes.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
