The Concord Men's Soccer team is a decided long-shot to reach the WVIAC Tournament.
But there's still plenty of schedule left, and plenty of opportunities for improvement for the fledgling Mountain Lion program.
Concord moved into the homestretch of the 2009 season with steady, cohesive play in a 1-1, double-overtime draw with third-place Wheeling Jesuit on a frigid Sunday afternoon at Anderson Field.
The result ended the Mountain Lions' string of five straight shutout losses and improved their record to 4-9-1 overall, 1-6-1 in the WVIAC.
The visiting Cardinals came out strong and pressed into the Concord half. The Mountain Lions settled in, but WJU got on the board first -- off a throw-in, with the goal from Victor Picchio, assisted by Andrew Hickey, 23:21 into the match.
At halftime, Wheeling Jesuit held a 1-0 lead and a 10-3 advantage in shots. But five first-half saves by goalkeeper Jamie Greenwood helped solidify the CU defense. By the break, Concord had settled into a fluid, technically-sound ball-control style that slowed the WJU attack and kept the ball on the Cardinals' half of the pitch.
The Mountain Lions' adept play paid off shortly after the break. Zach Piekarski buried the equalizer, assisted by Frankie Parks, just 2:43 into the second half. It was Concord's first goal since a 2-1 victory at Bluefield College on September 23.
The score remained even through regulation. In the first overtime, Concord had the best chance to score, but Parks couldn't quite control a header off a lovely crossing pass from Garith Duncan four minutes in. Neither team could find the net in the second overtime, and WJU left Athens with a record of 8-4-2, 4-2-1.
Concord showed improved play and will need to continue it in their next match – a visit to first-place and nationally-ranked University of Charleston on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 6:00 pm.
