ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Lindenwood men's soccer (6-4-6, 3-1-4 OVC) earns a point on Sunday with a 1-1 draw against fellow Ohio Valley Conference member Eastern Illinois (3-8-4, 2-4-2 OVC). The Lions posted 15 total shots with four on goal.
"I'm disappointed with only coming away with one point. I thought we dominated in the number of quality chances to score but didn't execute enough in key moments to win the match," said head coach
Kris Bertsch. "There were numerous opportunities throughout where we were in position to take all 3 points but didn't take advantage of them. Any opponent at this point of the season is going to be very difficult to play against with every team competing for conference playoffs. I look forward to our guys responding in the last two regular season OVC matches."
The first half saw an aggressive Eastern Illinois team out-shoot the Lions seven to four. The Lions also allowed three corner kicks through the first 45 minutes of the match.
Despite EIU posting more shots, it was Lindenwood's offense who struck first on Sunday with a goal by
Cameron Caldwell in the 30th minute of play.
Jens Haukeland provided with sixth assist of the season to give LU the early 1-0 lead.
Lindenwood battled tough the rest of the first half, but Eastern Illinois' offense strung together a few passes to tie the match at 1-1 in the 40th minute. EIU's Jared Cornejo scored off of two assists by Kyle Ward and Julian Smith. The first half would end in a tie.
The Lions' offense came roaring out of halftime and looked aggressive. Lindenwood would eventually post 11 of their 15 shots in the second half. They would also post two more shots on goal in the second half.
In the 76th minute,
Matty Wackerfuss had a shot in the net that was blocked due to a handball. Haukeland then took the penalty kick for the Lions and was saved by EIU's goalie Chad Smith. It was one of his four saves today against Lindenwood.
Enzo Gil for the Lions made three saves today in the 1-1 draw. Lindenwood was up a man in the final 15 minutes of action due to a red card on EIU, but the Panthers stood their ground forcing a tie against the Lions.
Lindenwood will be back in action on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7:00 p.m. for a rematch against SIUE. The two teams tied early this season in Edwardsville, Ill. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.
