FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Eastern Oregon University (RV) Men's Soccer battled No.3 ranked Indiana Tech through 90 minutes Thursday night, twice taking the lead before ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw at Warrior Athletic Field.
The Mounties opened the scoring just 6:06 into the match. After Njabulo Nkosi forced an early save from Indiana Tech goalkeeper Alan Fleischer, Henry Lopez followed up the deflection to put EOU ahead 1-0. Eastern Oregon nearly doubled its advantage minutes later when Lance Nelson found the back of the net, but the goal was waved off due to an offside call.
Indiana Tech responded with a goal of their own and continued pressure, but the EOU defense repeatedly disrupted the Warriors' chances. Victor Melendez made several key stops in the opening half, while the Mounties' back line came up with important blocks to keep the Warriors from finding a second goal. Neither team could find another breakthrough before halftime, sending the match into the break tied 1-1.
Eastern Oregon came out aggressively in the second half. Davyd Fedina had an early attempt blocked before JJ Gallardo rattled the crossbar in the 48th minute. Austin Turner immediately followed with a header that required a diving save from Fleischer.
The Mounties continued to generate chances, including another strong opportunity from Nkosi in the 66th minute that was saved. Indiana Tech, however, regained the advantage when a short header pass was converted into a shot to take a 2-1 lead. After the match became increasingly physical, with 10 total yellows between the two teams just in the second half. On the night's fifth yellow card, Henry Lopez delivered a long free kick into the attacking area, where Davyd Fedina rose to head the ball into the net for his second goal of the season, leveling the match at 2-2.
The final minutes featured a back-and-forth battle as both teams searched for the winner. Melendez came up with another important save to deny Indiana Tech, while EOU continued pressing forward with multiple late corner kicks and chances. The Mounties nearly stole the victory in the closing seconds, but Fleischer made one final save. Neither side could find a game-winner, ending the contest in a 2-2 draw.
Eastern Oregon finished the night with 14 shots, including seven on target, while Indiana Tech recorded 15 shots with seven on frame. Melendez finished with five saves, matching Fleischer's five stops for the Warriors.
The draw moves the Mounties to 0-0-1 on the season, a promising start for Eastern Oregon as the Mounties went toe-to-toe with the No. 3 Warriors in their season opener. EOU will return to action Saturday, September 5th against (RV) Spring Arbor (MI), with kickoff scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET.