Cardinals push back to salvage 2-2 draw

SEDALIA, Mo. – The Mineral Area men’s soccer team mounted a furious rally on the road to secure a crucial first point in the Region 16 standings on Wednesday.

Mineral Area forward Jack Taylor leaps to receive an elevated pass during first half men’s soccer action against Itawamba on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in Park Hills. (Matt King, mking@dailyjournalonline.com)

Jack Taylor scored off a pass from Alex Wilkinson in the 86th minute to give the Cardinals hope, and Orran Mushet buried a clutch penalty kick about a minute later.

Goalkeeper Josh Wilson made four saves in six chances, and Mineral Area salvaged a 2-2 draw with a physical State Fair squad after generating six corner kicks.

Mineral Area (2-0-1, 0-0-1) outshot the Roadrunners 16-11 overall, and overcame a 2-0 halftime deficit. Mushet and Taylor each netted their third goals of the season.

State Fair was on the negative side of a 21-9 foul disparity, and picked up four separate yellow cards.

The Cardinals will host Copiah-Lincoln on Saturday with the season debut for the women to follow.