NEW LONDON, Conn. -- Behind goals from Chase Merrick and Kelly Wade, the US Coast Guard Academy Women's Soccer team tied with Clark University today. The game was played on Nitchman Field on Parent's Weekend and commemorated their annual Pink Game, recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

The game started slowly for the Bears, they ramped up the momentum and pace as gameplay continued. After relinquishing an early goal to Clark ten minutes in, the Coast Guard defense, led by Emily Scharnitzky in goal, shut down many scoring opportunities for Cougars throughout the majority of the game. 

While down 1-0 at the half, the Bears were far from out. They came out for the second forty-five minutes of play and converted an opportunity in the fiftieth minute. Riley Vicinanzo, who has strung together several well-played games as of late, found Kelly Wade, who then found the back of the net to even the game at a goal apiece. 

Twenty minutes later, Chase Merrick would give the Bears their first lead of the game on an unassisted shot. 

Unfortunately, a late game penalty ended up proving costly for the Bears. With less than eight minutes to go, Clark University received a penalty kick after Scharnitzky was carded. Jamie Stern for the Cougars converted the PK and once again knotted up the score 2-2. 

While a costly mistake, head coach Susan Grant was impressed with her team's ability to remain resilient, stay in the game and pull out a draw in a critical New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) game. She had this to say: 

"The team fought hard in the second half to come from behind and ultimately take the lead.  I am proud of their tenacity and grit, and am optimistic the NEWMAC wins will come with their continued effort and teamwork."

Their opportunity to get that next NEWMAC win will come soon as Coast Guard travels to Smith College on Wednesday, October 12th at 3pm EST. With the draw today, Coast Guard moves to 4-5-2 (1-3-1 in NEWMAC), while Clark moves to 6-4-1 (2-1-1) in NEWMAC.