TACOMA — The Port Angeles boys soccer team started its season with a 1-1 draw in a nonleague match on the road against Franklin Pierce on Saturday.
The Roughriders tied the game with three minutes to go when the Cardinals allowed an own goal off a long throw-in by Port Angeles’ Kenny Soule.
Neither team managed a goal in a scoreless first half, although Roughriders coach Chris Saari said the Cardinals put a lot of pressure on the Port Angeles goal.
“Sophomore Rider goalie Keenan Leslie had a busy afternoon with 12 saves and 10 or more clears with his feet outside the penalty box,” Saari said.
Franklin Pierce outshot the Riders 17-5.
Andrew St. George provided the best offensive chance for Port Angeles when he hit the post late in the second half.
Franklin Pierce scored in the 70th minute on a 47-yard direct freekick that caught Leslie slightly off his line.
Saari recognized Leslie, Jeff Glatz and Spencer Beverford-Stewart as his defensive players of the game.
St. George was praised for his work in transition.
The Riders (0-0-1) host Port Townsend on Tuesday.
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Compiled using a team report.