Yamane's late goal earns 1-1 draw at Siena Heights
Greg Gorham
Box Score Box Score
The first match of the season for both teams started out as a bit of a defensive struggle, as both sides were kept off the scoreboard throughout the first half. Possession remained relatively even, as Siena Heights narrowly outshot the Trojans, 5-4 in the first period. The Saints (0-0-1) were the first to break through, as SHU's Collin McLaughlin scored in the 49th minute to put his team ahead 1-0.
The score would remain the same throughout much of the second half, until Yamane connected on a pass from teammates Jared Ventura (Pleasant Prarie, Wisc./Kenosha Christian Life HS) and David Hasbani (Milwaukee, Wisc./Eastbrook Academy) in the 86th minute to draw even. The Saints had time to fire two more shots before the end of regulation, including one in the 90th minute that hit off the post. However, the Trojan defense was able to hold on and force overtime.
Both overtime periods resulted in just four shots apiece for both squads, and only one shot on goal. Trojan freshman Jacob McClanahan (Spring Grove, Ill./Richmond Burton HS) fired a shot in the 110th and final minute, but Saints keeper Mike Hummon made the save.
While they didn't come away with the win, the Trojans end up with an improved result on last year's season opener, which resulted in a 3-2 home defeat to Siena Heights. The Trojans now return home for a pair of matches to finish out the week. TIU hosts Lindenwood-Belleville on Friday, August 30 at 4 p.m., and Greenville College on Saturday, August 31 at 3 p.m. Both matches will be webcast live online at www.tiutrojans.com.