HIRAM, Ohio - September 1, 2021 - The Chatham University Men's Soccer team opened their season tonight against the Hiram College Terriers. After a second-half comeback by the home team, the Cougars are bringing home a tie.

Chatham started the scoring rally early in the first half, thanks to a low left-corner shot by sophomore forward Charles Archer. The goal was the Cougars' first of 2021 and the first of Archer's collegiate career.

An even-keeled defensive matchup would ensue for almost 45 minutes before sophomore Pascal Despinos replicated Archer's goal, putting the Cougars up by two early in the second half.

Despinos' goal served as a wake-up call for Hiram, who quickly responded with goals at the 50 and 65 minute marks to tie the game back up at two.

The Cougars maintained offensive dominance throughout the game, but were met with a solid goalkeeping performance by Hiram's Shelby Edwards, who made eight saves in the outing. Senior midfielder Ryan Tahbaz had a game-high three shots on goal, followed by junior midfielder Emmet Taub with two.

At the other end, first-year goalkeeper made three saves in his collegiate debut, helping fend off Hiram's second-half surge.

The Cougars kickoff against their next opponent, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, this coming Saturday, September 4th, at Graham Field.