FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University men's soccer team (2-5-1, 0-1-1 SAC) played John Brown University (5-3-1, 1-0-1 SAC) to a 2-2 draw at Martin Field on Saturday.
John Brown was riding a 5-game winning streak that included victories over teams ranked 1st and 3rd nationally. That stretch got the Golden Eagles into the receiving votes category in the latest NAIA Coaches' Poll.
The Rams jumped ahead when George Battersby played a ball forward in the 16th minute. Anthony Atilola outran JBU keeper Adam Holt to the ball and scored the game's first goal.
John Brown immediately caught the Rams on their heels. Vanegas Santiago found Marco Cardona for an equalizing goal just 31 seconds later. In the 24th minute Kelvin Omondi collected a rebound at the top of the box and gave JBU a 2-1 advantage.
That lead held at the intermission after JBU outshot the Rams 9-4 in the opening frame.
In the second half, Micah Day drew a foul on the far left wing, and Yohan Shirazi finished an Atilola free kick to tie the game 2-2. The goal was the first of Shirazi's career. The senior out of Baton Rouge, LA, was playing in his 55th game and making his 38th start for the Rams.
Texas Wesleyan nearly converted a corner kick in the 70th minute, but Ross McArthur's corner kick sailed just wide and the game rolled into overtime.
In the first overtime, Tyler Brooks nearly ended things abruptly when he ripped a shot from 30 yards out that hit the upper right corner of the frame. With 1:10 to play in the final overtime period, Holt made a terrific diving save on a shot from Dominik Huebl to preserve the tie.
After being outshot 9-4 in the first half, the Rams outshot the Golden Eagles 19-17 for the remainder of the contest. Corner kick opportunities were even with five for Texas Wesleyan and four for John Brown. A low foul count allowed for aggressive play throughout the contest. Texas Wesleyan was whistled for 8 infractions and shown two cautions while JBU was called for four fouls.
Bastian Blumenberg came up with a career-high 11 saves for the Rams. Holt made five stops for John Brown.
The Rams will return to action on Tuesday, October 3, when they travel to Oklahoma City University. That game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start.
Ramblings
- The Rams are now 17-17-5 all-time in SAC play. The draw snapped a three-game winning streak for John Brown against Texas Wesleyan. The Golden Eagles lead the all-time series 7-1-2.
- Oklahoma City holds a 12-4-2 lead all-time against Texas Wesleyan. The last meeting between the Rams and Stars ended in a 1-1 tie.
- Atilola's goal was fourth of the season and eighth in his two-year career. He currently leads the team with 11 points on 4 goals and 3 assists.
