PURCHASE, N.Y. — In a game that will be remembered as much for Mother Nature's dramatic entrance as for the thrilling action on the field, Purchase College and Lehman College played to an electrifying 2-2 tie Monday under the lights.
As fans settled into their seats and the 22 starters stood at midfield for the opening announcements, a brilliant flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder. The match was delayed for 50 minutes as the storm swept through the area.
After the all-clear was given, both teams reemerged for a quick warmup and then took the field for kickoff. It was clear that the pace of play had been affected by the extended delay. The opening minutes saw both sides struggling to find their rhythm, with passes going astray and shot off target.
Nearly 10 minutes into play Lehman (0-2-1) broke through the ice on a penalty kick. A Purchase (2-1-4) handball inside the 18-yard box sent Melanie Siranaula to the line for the free kick. A strike to the bottom corner put the visitors in the lead, 1-0.
However, Purchase was not to be outdone. The Panthers responded with vigor, and their relentless pressure paid off in the 21st minute. Lehman committed the same handball error inside the box, and this time, it was rookie sensation Lindita Selmani (FR/Brooklyn, NY) lighting up the board for Purchase.
The halftime whistle blew with the score locked at 1-1.
The second half continued in much the same fashion, with both teams pushing for the elusive go-ahead goal.
At 55:22, Selmani delivered again for the home team. The first-year forward collected a perfectly placed through ball from Jessica McHugh (FR/Ellenville, NY) at the 20-yard line and took off on a breakaway to goal. Calm and composed, Selmani pulled Lehman goalie Diallo Ramatoulaye off her line before sinking a low shot into the back of the net.
The Lightning, unwilling to concede defeat, fought for a comeback.Their determination paid off in the 68th minute when f Siranaula connected with a pass from Maria Martinez to score a crucial equalizer, making it 2-2.
The final minutes saw both teams pushing for a late winner but solid defending ensured that the match end in a 2-2 tie.
Purchase will play host again on Wednesday for a Skyline Conference game under the lights against Maritime College. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
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