The Hobart men’s soccer team scored in the final minute Saturday to earn a 1-1 draw against Union at Cozzens Field, securing a spot in the Liberty League Tournament. The Statesmen moved to 10-2-3 overall and 3-2-3 in conference play, while the Garnet Chargers finished at 8-8-2 and 2-5-1.
Junior Brady Leitner delivered the equalizer with just 42 seconds remaining, converting a penalty kick to rescue a point for Hobart.
The teams battled through a scoreless opening half, with the Statesmen holding a 7-5 advantage in shots.
Hobart goalkeeper Jake Hans made four first-half saves to keep Union off the scoreboard, while the Statesmen managed two shots on target.
The match remained deadlocked deep into the second half before Union broke through in the 84th minute.
Eamonn Kelley intercepted the ball outside Hobart’s penalty area and finished a one-on-one opportunity against Hans to give the Garnet Chargers a late advantage.
Hobart increased its offensive pressure in the closing minutes and earned a penalty kick following a hard tackle inside the box.
Leitner stepped forward and placed his attempt into the bottom right corner, tying the match with less than a minute remaining.
The Statesmen finished with a 21-12 advantage in shots, while Hans recorded six saves. Union’s two goalkeepers combined for nine stops.
The draw gave Hobart 12 conference points, clinching a berth in the six-team Liberty League Tournament.
Hobart remains tied for second in the standings with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which it will visit Saturday, October 31, at 4 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
