Bolivar, Mo. – The SBU men's soccer team battled back from a pair of one-goal deficits Saturday afternoon, earning a 2-2 draw against the University of Missouri-St. Louis at the SBU Soccer Field. The result moves the Bearcats to 2-0-1 on the season and keeps them unbeaten through their first three matches.
UMSL struck first in the 17th minute, converting on a penalty kick to take an early 1-0 advantage. The Bearcats continued to push offensively and found the equalizer just before halftime. Nathan Eagan connected with Joe Wright in the 41st minute, who found the back of the net for his third goal of the season to send the teams into the break tied at 1-1.
The Tritons regained the lead in the 56th minute when Benjamin Ocampo scored to put UMSL ahead 2-1. Once again, the Bearcats responded.
Christian Cruz delivered the second equalizer of the afternoon in the 69th minute, scoring his third goal of the season off an assist from Justin McPherson to bring SBU even at 2-2.
Neither team was able to find the deciding goal over the final 21 minutes, giving the Bearcats their first draw of the season.
SBU finished the afternoon with a 13-9 advantage in total shots while both teams put three attempts on goal. The Bearcats also held UMSL without a corner kick, finishing with a 3-0 advantage in that category.
The draw keeps Southwest Baptist undefeated through three matches after opening the season with back-to-back shutout victories over Sterling and Evangel. Through three contests, the Bearcats have scored 17 goals and hold a 2-0-1 record.
SBU will return to action Friday, September 11, traveling to Kansas City to take on Avila University at 2:30 p.m.
