David Cortez, making his first appearance in a Griffins uniform since the 2019 season, scored in the 71^st minute as the Chestnut Hill College rallied for a 3-3 tie against saint Thomas Aquinas College in their season opener Thursday afternoon in Hillburn, New York.

The game marked the third consecutive year that the Griffins and Spartans played to a draw with the two teams tying 2-2 after two overtimes in 2021 and played to a 3-3 tie last year.

Chestnut Hill trailed 3-2 and took over possession in the 69^th minute, keeping the pressure on the Spartans. Early in the 71^st minute, senior Juan Ortiz sent the ball on net from the left side and was stopped by STAC goalkeeper Petter Gunnerson, but the shot dribbled through his hands and right onto the foot of Cortez who put the rebound home to tie the game.  Ortiz earned his second assist of the game, finishing the contest with a goal and two assists for four points.

STAC had taken a 3-2 lead following a penalty kick by Kevon Evans in the 63^rd minute (his second of the game). 

Senior Diego Cabrera, also a member of the Griffins' 2019 team, scored CHC's first goal of the season to give Chestnut Hill a 1-0 lead at the 22:57 mark.  Ortiz shot the ball on net with Gunnerson making the save but Cabrera was right there for the rebound and the score.

The Spartans answered with two goals before the period ended to take a 2-1 lead at halftime.   Ortiz tied the game at 2-2 with an unassisted goal just 5:19 into the second half of play.

Griffins' goalkeeper Eran Shifris tallied ten saves, becoming the ninth goalkeeper in the program's history to tally 10 or more saves in match.  Ortiz had six total shots, four on goal.

STAC outshot the Griffins 18-15 (13-10 on goal). Chestnut Hill produced five corner kicks (all in the second half) to the Spartans three (all in the first half).

The Chestnut Hill College men's soccer team returns to action on Saturday, September 2, 2023, when they travel to face Shippensburg University. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.