KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University men's soccer battled Oregon Tech to a 1-1 draw Saturday afternoon, as
Henry Lopez's first-half goal gave the Mountaineers the lead before the Owls found an equalizer late in the second half at OIT Soccer Field.
Oregon Tech applied early pressure, earning a corner kick in the fourth minute and forcing
Victor Melendez into a save on a header from Moxy Simmons shortly after. Eastern Oregon responded with attacking opportunities of its own, as Lopez and
Lance Nelson each tested Owls goalkeeper Noah Harwood during the opening 20 minutes. The Mountaineers broke through in the 26th minute when Lopez found the back of the net to give EOU a 1-0 advantage.
Evan Reyes generated a chance in the 34th minute, missing high. The Mountaineers carried their one-goal lead into halftime.
Eastern Oregon maintained its attacking pressure after the break, looking to extend its advantage.
Christian Samayoa forced Harwood into a pair of saves in the second half, while the Mountaineers earned three corner kicks after halftime to keep the Owls' defense under pressure. Melendez and the EOU defense worked to protect the lead as Oregon Tech searched for an equalizer. The Owls eventually broke through in the 83rd minute when Anthony Aguiar finished a pass from Cash Cota to even the score at 1-1. The Mountaineers pushed for a late winner, with Lopez and
Davyd Fedina testing the goalkeeper late in the half. EOU continued to press in the closing moments, but Oregon Tech held firm as the teams settled for a draw.
Eastern Oregon finished with a 12-7 advantage in shots, including an 8-5 edge in shots on target. The Mountaineers also held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks. Melendez recorded four saves for EOU, while Harwood finished with six saves for Oregon Tech.
With the draw, the Mountaineers move to 3-3-6 overall and 3-2-4 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play. Eastern Oregon will look to build on its performance in the final two weeks of regular season. EOU will remain on the road next weekend, traveling to Montana to face Providence on Oct. 24 at 3:30 p.m. MT.
