HOUSTON, Texas - Lindenwood men's soccer (7-5-2, 3-2-1 OVC) settled for a 1-1 draw on Thursday night against Ohio Valley Conference affiliate-member Houston Christian University (6-5-3, 4-1-1 OVC). This marks just the second tie this season for Lindenwood, first since the opening match at Milwaukee.

"Another difficult action filled conference match," said head coach Kris Bertsch. "I was really pleased with our effort and how we started the match. Unfortunately, were unable to find the second goal in the match before they were able to find the tying goal. We need to focus on the many positives tonight and regroup for Sunday's match."

The Lions' were one of the top offensives coming into tonight's came, but were held to a season-low five shots with just two on goal. Houston Christian pushed the pace against the Lindenwood defense posting 14 shots with four on goal. HCU had a chance under a minute to steal the victory, but Ryan Okerayi's shot went wide of Enzo Gil.

Gil ws busy in net for Lindenwood especially during the final stretch of the match. The sophomore goalie made three saves in net while allowing the equalizer goal in the second half. HCU's 14 shots were the second most given up by Lindenwood in 2024.

Ethan Blake continued his hot streak in OVC play scoring the lone goal for the Lions. He has now scored a goal in his last two games and four out of his last five. Blake was first in total points in the OVC coming into Thursday's matchup and extended his total to 19 for the season.

Lindenwood's offense in the first half was slow to start posting only three total shots with Blake's landing in the top right of the net. Defense was the name of the game through the first 45 minutes as both teams had just one shot on goal each. Blake's goal in the 29th minute was assisted by John Gates and Josh Francombe.

The Huskies' offense kept the pressure on the Lions in the second half eventually scoring the tying goal during the 75th minute of action after a corner kick. Gil made the initial save on the goal before Morgan Worsfold-Gregg finished it off. HCU's offense had 10 shots in the second half (three on goal) to just two shots by the Lions.

Lindenwood's defense held off the Huskies attack late in the second half after HCU had multiple chances to steal the game within the final two minutes. The Lions blocked three shot attempts under a minute to play to help secure a tie. This marked the second straight year these two teams ended a match with a 1-1 tie.

Lindenwood will be back in Texas on Sunday, Oct. 20th at 1:00 p.m. CT to take on Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.