HIALEAH, Fla. ( Sept. 23, 2023) – A joyous Nighthawk squad crowded a shirtless Aaron Sindhar after a stunning header wiped a 2-1 Conquistador lead with 2:40 left on the clock. Florida National University’s men’s soccer team (6-1-1) earned its first draw of the 2023 season, as the Thomas University Nighthawks (3-2-2) overcame a 2-0 deficit at Milander Park.
The first half signaled a tough physical battle ahead for the Conquistadors. Both teams combined for 20 fouls in the opening period and three yellow cards were issued. The Conquistadors were able to weather some tough Nighthawk tackling and put up four shots and a goal from Francisco Crimi. Crimi got FNU on the board after two quick passes from Marcos Bakale and Christian Omar Hernandez.
After regrouping at halftime, just three minutes into the second period, Tomas Barrancos pelted a shot outside of the box on a deflected corner kick by Bautista Dominguez that found its way into the left corner of the net just past the diving reach of Thomas’ goalie Jorge Gonzalez. With a 2-0 lead, FNU continued to push the pace but was unable to keep the Hawks off the board.
A defensive error from the FNU backline in the 81st minute allowed Thomas Diego Sanchez to steal a dangerous ball just outside the penalty area. Sanchez wasted no time and scored a long-distance goal to cut FNU’s lead in half. The Nighthawks continued their attack, eventually tying the match on Sindhar’s piercing header set up by a deflected free kick from James Hall.
FNU had two opportunities to take back control with a header from defender Ricardo Delwing and a shot from Crimi which were both to no avail. FNU had 10 shots to Thomas’ 6 and were awarded seven corners to the Nighthawks’ one.
Up Next: FNU travels to West Palm Beach for a rumble against Palm Beach Atlantic on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
