Box Score STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Felician University senior goalkeeper George Hernandez (Paterson, N.J.) made a career-best 12 saves as the Golden Falcons played to a 1-1 draw with the host College of Staten Island in non-conference men's soccer action on Wednesday afternoon at Dolphin Soccer Park.
Freshman forward Ben Batson (Verona, N.J.) came off the bench to record his first collegiate goal for Felician (4-5-1). The Golden Falcons gained the tie despite disadvantages of 26-5 in shots and 14-1 in corner kicks.
Felician saw a game end in a tie for the first time since Sept. 3, 2018, a 3-3 home decision vs. Queens (N.Y.) College. The Golden Falcons had been 4-4 in overtime contests since that point. Felician is also riding a three-game unbeaten streak for the first time in nearly eight years.
Staten Island (3-6-1) carried a 1-0 lead into halftime on a 24th minute goal by freshman Nermin Buljubasic (Staten Island, N.Y.) after the Dolphins forced a turnover. Felician found an opportunity to equalize and Batson took advantage, finishing in traffic from close range with 21:42 remaining in regulation.
In addition to Hernandez's busy day, the Felician defense fended off a pair of Dolphin breakaways to preserve the deadlock. Three CSI shots bounded off the crossbar on the day, including one in the 105th minute. Hernandez stopped two shots during extra time.
CSI freshman keeper Bougary Sissoko (Bronx, N.Y.) made four saves.
Felician played its fifth consecutive contest decided by one goal or fewer.
The Golden Falcons return home on Saturday at 8 p.m. They will return to Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play by facing nationally-ranked Wilmington (Del.) University. Prior to the match, Felician will honor its six seniors.
