Arizona soccer erases early deficit, earns 1-1 draw vs. Boston University

After surrendering a late lead Friday in a 2-1 loss to No. 24 UCF, the Arizona soccer team made a comeback of their own Sunday, erasing an early deficit to earn a 1-1 draw in double overtime against Boston University in Tempe.

Gabi Stoian paced an Arizona attack that outshot Boston U, 20-6.

The senior midfielder delivered the equalizer in the 77th minute on a slick pass from Cali Crisler after a nice touch by Charlotte Brascia.

Stoian, now just five goals shy of the UA’s all-time record, had 10 shots in the match, and nearly scored on a couple free kicks, plus had two shots knock off the crossbar.

Boston U took the lead in the 11th minute when Christina Wakefield tapped in a deflected ball.

UA goalkeeper Lainey Burdett made a leaping save on a screaming shot, but the ball ricocheted off the post right to Wakefield who was all alone in front of the net.

Arizona outshot BU 7-4 in the first half, but the Terriers had the better opportunities.

The Wildcats took things up a notch in the second half, though, and outshot BU 13-2 in the final 65 minutes. Arizona was consistently threatening in BU’s half of the field and earned several free kicks.

In the 53rd minute, a well-placed cross by Brynn Moga landed at the foot of Stoian, whose volley clanked off the post.

In the 68th minute, it appeared Arizona was going to get a penalty kick when a BU defender collided into Maddie Bennett, but there was no call.

“How’d she fall over?” yelled a not-so-happy UA head coach Tony Amato.

Arizona then had six shots in the two overtime periods, none closer than this free kick by Stoian in the 95th minute.

The Wildcats now sit at 1-1-2 this season, and return home next week to play Florida Gulf Coast and Texas Tech on Friday and Sunday, respectively.

Both those teams made the NCAA Tournament last year, so they’ll be another test for the Wildcats, who have one of the most difficult schedules in the country this season.