Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

WashU Draws with Aurora in Home Opener

WashU Draws with Aurora in Home Opener

From Washington University Athletics

The Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer began its home portion of the 2023 season by taking on Aurora University, Sunday.

After scoring in the third minute, the Spartans countered with an equalizer later in the first. Both teams converted a penalty kick try in the second to warrant a 2-2 draw. With the tie, WashU's record sits at 2-1-1, while AU owns a record of 2-2-1. 
 
Aurora tallied 16 shots (seven on frame), while WashU recorded 15 shots (10 on frame). However, the Bears notched 13 first half shots and were held to just a pair in the second 45. 
 
Junior Joseph Hipskind recorded a match-high three shots on goal, while sophomore Zach Susee and senior Christopher Alwang secured two shots on frame. 
 
WashU enjoyed a quick start to the match by earning a goal in the third minute. Off a turnover in AU's defensive half, Hipskind grabbed his second goal of the year as he beat the keeper with a nifty shot to give the Bears the 1-0 advantage. 
 
The Bears controlled a majority of the possession in the opening half. However, AU tied the score at 1-1 in the 35th minute.  
 
The Spartan keeper made a few timely saves late in the period. Senior Rabee Haidari laced a shot in the 39th minute, but the opportunity was thwarted by a solid save. 
 
Heading into intermission, the score was tied, 1-1. 
 
In the second 45, Aurora controlled much of the possession by garnering 12 second half shots. 
 
With WashU threatening in the 64th minute, AU was whistled for a slide tackle in the box, giving the Bears a penalty kick. Susee stepped up to the try and buried the penalty kick to the right side of the frame to give WashU the lead, 2-1. 
 
The Bears, trying to close the match out, fouled Spartan in the box to give AU a penalty kick in the 81st minute. Aurora notched the equalizer on the successful penalty kick. 
 
With 20 seconds left, the Spartans received a free kick just 20-yards out. The Bear defensive wall blocked the shot as time expired. 
 
In the end, the Bears and Spartans played to a 2-2 draw.