PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Salem University battled back from a two-goal halftime deficit, but Point Park University held on for a 2-1 victory over the Tigers Sunday afternoon at Rooney Field.
Point Park struck twice in the opening half to take control of the match. Joel Gomez Mozo opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, heading the Pioneers into a 1-0 lead off an assist from Edouard Gagnon. Alejandro Vega Arteaga added a second goal in the 37th minute, giving Point Park a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Salem came out with renewed energy in the second half and began creating more opportunities in the attacking third. The Tigers were rewarded in the 62nd minute when Tommy Sowinski found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Copper West provided the assist, cutting Salem's deficit to 2-1.
The Tigers continued to push for the equalizer over the final 30 minutes. Jordan Johnson put a shot on target in the 85th minute, while Salem earned three corner kicks in the final 10 minutes as the Tigers applied pressure around the Point Park goal.
Point Park goalkeeper Anthony Fusay made five saves on the afternoon, including stops on Johnson and Sowinski in the second half, to preserve the Pioneers' one-goal advantage.
Salem goalkeeper Gregory Lynch also turned in a busy performance, making seven saves on nine Point Park shots on target. The Pioneers finished with a 20-8 advantage in total shots and held 55 percent of possession, while Salem recorded six shots on target and three corner kicks.
Sowinski led the Tigers offensively with four shots, including two on goal and Salem's lone score. Johnson added two shots, both on target, while Josue Villegas recorded one shot on goal.
