MARIETTA, Ga — The Life University men's soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw against the #3 Roadrunners from Dalton State Sunday afternoon after coming from behind twice to open conference play with a hard-fought single point.
The Roadrunners opened the scoring in the 20th minute, capping the opportunity with a finish in the bottom right corner of the net. The team then traded chances in the first 45 with the Running Eagles trailing at halftime, 1-0.
Quickly after halftime, the Running Eagles charged out of the break quickly scoring in the 46th minute with their first attack of the half. The goal came from the boot of Stephane Shongo after the freshman forward received a pass from Nipho Methula, calm slotting a shot in the back of the net to level the contest at one score each.
The Running Eagles then went down to ten men moments after leveling the match, leading to a very hard-fought second half defensive battle. Packing everyone behind the ball for the next forty minutes an unfortunate own goal in the 63rd minute snuck into the net.
Trailing 2-1, the Running Eagles got their best look in the 68yth minute with a beautiful service from Callum Jenkins finding the head of Lucas Williams-Fernandez, centering the ball perfectly in front of the net for a Nipho Methula tap-in.
As the time dwindled, the game came to a close at a 2-2 draw.
Head coach Alex Pama shared his thoughts on the performance, stating, "To open conference play on the road versus one of the top teams in the nation and in one of the toughest soccer conferences, is a task our men passed with flying colors. If you consider the fact we had to play almost the entire second half a man down, it's even more impressive."
He then continued, "I am proud of how our team battled back twice from a goal down. It showed great team character and team spirit. Both our goals were great team goals as well. I thought Dalton outplayed us in the opening period of the first half, but once we settled down we created some great chances. Even playing a man down we defend well and the guys adapted to the tactical chances. Now, We get ready for a pair of home matches. Must win games for us. We count on our fantastic fans to help us both games."
Up next, Life University continues Southern States Athletic Conference play against Middle Georgia on Thursday, September 21st at Lupo Family Field.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Methula assisted or scored both game-tying goals in the contest.
- Branko Kanacki made seven saves for Life U.
- Dalton State out shot Life 15-8.
