ST. GEORGE, Utah — The Chicago State men's soccer team (2-7-2, 0-3-1 WAC) managed a 1-1 draw against the Dixie State Trailblazers, the match reaching double overtime.
"For the first time this year, our boys battled back from a goal down to earn a point," said assistant coach Norris Howze, tonight's acting head coach.
"We're disappointed that we didn't find the winner, but I am proud of these gentlemen for the fight and effort they displayed tonight. It is never easy to get a result on the road, but these gentlemen fought to earn a point. This game is behind us, and now we look forward to UNLV."
In the first half, the Trailblazers came in hot and, just five minutes in, fired in their first goal with an outstanding shot by Larsen Rogers that had the Trailblazers up 1-0 in an impressive early start.
The Cougars and Trailblazers then went on exchanging shots back and forth throughout the whole half. Stellar defensive efforts by the Chicago State back line and two highlight-reel saves by goalkeeper Joe Bowles kept the game at 1-0 at the half.
In the second half of the match, the Cougars relentlessly battled and drew up plays in order to obtain that game-tying goal they desperately needed.
It wasn't until the 79th minute of the half that Chicago State finally slotted in the team's first goal of the match that tied it all up at 1-1, courtesy of Emmanuel Apau off of an assist by Oladeinbo Toluwalase.
The match ended with neither team being able to best the other at a 1-1 score which meant overtime for the fifth time this season for the Cougars.
After two 10 minute halves of relentless attacking from both teams, once again neither was able to score and the match ended with a 1-1 tie.
The Cougars next take on UNLV in Las Vegas on Sunday at 6 p.m.
