Friday, July 5, 2013
WATERLOO, Ontario -- With playoff implications written all over the game, it seemed like an entirely new team walked into Laurier University Stadium on Friday evening. K-W United FC played to a 2-2 draw against the first-place Michigan Bucks thanks to a fabulous last-minute goal by midfielder Liam Collins.
The game started off well for United, with a lot of chances early against Michigan goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher. United was able to beat Michigan's back four, but could not find the back of the net in the first half. In the second, a lapse in defense would hurt United in the 59th minute, when Gerald Ben of Michigan would beat goaltender Nathan Ingham and put the visitors up 1-0.
However that wouldn't stop United, who would put all their pressure on Steinwasher and his defence. On a fabulous play, midfielder Will Grocott picked up a loose ball and sent it in the back of the net to tie up the game in the 61st minute.
The two teams would battle back-and-forth over the next 15 minutes, but Michigan would get another break in the 78th minute as Zach Steinberger put home his 10th goal of the season to put the Bucks back ahead.
With the Bucks up 2-1 and time running out, United pushed all of their players, including goalkeeper Ingham, inside the penalty area for a stoppage-time corner kick. Grocott would send the corner right into the box, and Ingham would just miss the opportunity for a header. However, Collins would pick up the loose ball just outside the penalty area and send his finish into the left-hand corner to tie up the game with a mere fifty seconds left to play in the game.
The goal would prove decisive as the Bucks didn't have enough time to regain the lead, earning United a point. The draw, combined with FC London's 2-0 win against Toronto on Friday night, allowed London to pull within two points of Michigan, with a game in hand. United will next face Toronto on Sunday night at 7 p.m. ET at Laurier University.