ROME, Ga -- Hernan Saldana's goal in the 78th minute put his Shorter Hawks in position to win its spring season Gulf South opener against the University of Alabama Huntsville Friday night at Ben  Brady Field.  But the visiting Chargers equalized in the final minute as the Hawks settled for the 1-1 tie. 

It was the first match the Hawks played in over 15 months due to the pandemic.  

Saldana's goal came off a set piece when the UAH defense failed to clear and the Hawks captain pounded the loss ball into the back of the net from 6 yards out. 

Just ten minutes earlier, a Mattia Maiello goal was nullified to an offside call.  

UAH knotted the match with just 23 seconds remaining in regulation on a ball that deflected off a Hawk defender before Shalev Keter got a touch on it to  force the scoreless overtime. 

The Hawks out shot UAH 8-7 and had the command in corner kicks, 7-1.  Javier Flores recorded one save while Giancarlo Martinez had 3. 

"It really was a terrific first match for us  in light of not playing for 15 months - not even having a scrimmage," said Hawks Head Coach, Paul Furey.   "Of course allowing the late goal was disappointing but our defense was solid limiting their chances and I was really pleased with our overall fitness and work rate."  

The Hawks return to action February 25 as they travel to the University of Montevallo.