Sept. 12, 2007

Box Score

Fort Wayne, IN - IPFW got huge contributions from Mitchell and Ben Haifley on Wednesday night against the Detroit Titans at the Hefner Soccer Complex. Both had a large hand in IPFW's 2-2 double over-time tie.

Mitchell Haifley, normally a defender, was pressed into goal keeping duties after IPFW starter Josh Howell was injured at the 35:17 mark.

Haifley's debut was definitely a baptism by fire as he faced a Titan free kick just 1:21 after entering the match.  Detroit midfielder Ken Simon lifted a shot over the IPFW wall and into the far side of the net making it 1-0 Titans.

However, Haifley settled into his new surroundings and began to get some offensive support from his team.

At the 52:00 mark, IPFW sophomore midfielder Ben Gamble sent a corner kick from the left side of the goal right into the IPFW box.  Mastodon forward Chris Moreno was in perfect position to get a foot on it and send it past UDM keeper Bryan Kloss, tying it at one.

The 'Dons took the lead in the match in the 67th minute on a goal by Ben Haifley.  Haifley was "Johnny on the spot" cleaning up a rebound from a blast by freshman middle Jorge Ramirez. 

Detroit (0-2-2) put on a surge late in the match, and tied it at 84:36, as Mateusz Szwed got deep into the IPFW box and slid a little pass to junior Renato Susnja, who was right on the door step for the goal.

Regulation ended tied at two and each team had chances in the overtime sessions.

Detroit had the best opportunity of all to end the match at the 106:56 mark of overtime two.  Junior midfielder Simon Zahra blasted a shot from behind a screen from about 22 yards out, but Haifley made a tremendous diving stop to secure the tie.

The match was very physical with 55 total fouls, nine yellow cards, and a red card being issued.

Detroit out-shot the 'Dons 24-15. 

Kloss turned aside four Mastodon shots on goal, with Howell making two saves, before leaving the match, and Haifley stopping three Titan efforts.

With the tie, IPFW stands at 1-3-1 on the season. 

The Mastodons now head to Oregon State University to participate in the 2007 Oregon State Memorial Tournament.  The 'Dons will have matches against UC Davis (9/14) and the host Beavers (9/15).

~Dons~

Note:  IPFW is also expecting junior goal keeper Michael Knitter to return soon from injury.