Men’s Soccer: Final Second Thriller

Last Minute Goal Gives Stingers a Draw over Université de Montréal

Concordia Stingers defender Stephen Meterissian heads in the game-tying goal to give Concordia a 1-1 draw versus the Montreal Carabins on Friday, Sept. 26. (GIF Shaun Michaud)

The Stingers men’s soccer team hosted the second-place Université de Montréal Carabins and snatched a late 1-1 draw with a late goal from defender Stephen Meterissian.

Concordia started off by playing like a league contender. The Stingers players were being creative in the midfield and very sound defensively.

Fifth-year defender Meterissian mentioned that it was the best first half they had played all season.

The architects of this first half were two first-year players, right back Odaine Demar and central midfielder Matt Deziel. Demar, who missed a year of soccer due to a medical condition, felt a little unfit despite playing a good game.

His footwork and tenacity defensively, as well as his vision in creating plays and connecting with through balls, made a huge difference for the team.

“The first half was alright considering I haven’t done much but the second half wasn’t my best,” he said. “I’ll definitely be working on my fitness.”

In the second half, the Carabins began to pick up their game. UdeM striker Adama Sissoko took advantage of a mistake in midfield to score the first goal of the game.

In the game’s final ten minutes, the Stingers were awarded two late free kicks in great positions but none of them led to an equalizer.

Finally, on the last kick of the game, a late free kick from Matt Deziel was headed in by Meterissian, tying the game.

The crowd roared with joy as Meterissian ran towards it, blowing a kiss.

“That kiss was for my mom,” the goal scorer said, flashing a large smile.

Despite not having recorded a win, the Stingers will take this game as a confidence booster into their upcoming match, a road game against the McGill Redmen on Sunday evening, and into the rest of their season.

“We have to use the momentum and confidence for the game against McGill,” said Deziel. “We believe that we can be at their level.”

“The big clubs like [UdeM], McGill and [Université] Laval are those we need to get points from, but we’ll gladly take the point,” added Meterissian.

Stingers defender Stephen Meterissian celebrates his game-tying goal with his teammates during 1-1 draw versus the Montreal Carabins on Friday, Sept. 26 (GIF Shaun Michaud)