Jesters tie Columbus United 3-3 in thriller

New Orleans, LA.  The New Orleans Jesters were held to a 3-3 tie by Columbus United Saturday night at Pan American Stadium.  The Jesters looked to be heading to victory after coming from behind to lead 3-2 in stoppage but a controversial late free-kick swung the game away from the home side with United scoring late in stoppage time to earn a point.

Forward Sheldon Green led the way for New Orleans with a pair of goals.  Green opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a tight turn and finish from close range.

Rafael Kawata leveled for Columbus just before the half hour mark and then Columbus went ahead after the break as Carter Berg made it 2-1.

Green scored his second to tie it up in the 73rd minute after a brilliant lifted pass from captain Ricardo Gomez.  Gomez dropped the ball behind the last defender and Green drilled his finish into the far corner.

Forward Juan Pablo Gonzalez looked to have scored the winner in the 87th minute as he outpaced his defender and slotted home from the right side of the box to make it 3-2.

With time running out United played the ball towards goal but it was headed away powerfully by defender Jair Arita. The controversy came after the referee stunned the home crowd blowing for a foul at the edge of the box despite the protests of the Jesters players.

New Orleans cleared the initial shot from the free-kick but the ball was played back into the box and substitute Jordry Santana bundled it home to make it 3-3.

The Jesters are back at home next weekend for a Saturday night match versus Pensacola FC, kick off is set for 7 PM.