SALEM, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University Men's Soccer erased a first-half deficit with two goals in a four-minute span Friday evening, battling Corban University to a 2-2 draw.
Eastern Oregon came out attacking early, with
Henry Lopez forcing the first save of the match in the seventh minute before
Rene Prieto followed with an attempt that was also turned away. Lopez then delivered another shot on frame in the opening half, but Davidson continued to keep the Mountaineers off the scoreboard. Despite EOU's offensive pressure, Corban struck first in the 11th minute when Jesus Mendoza finished a pass from Oswaldo Cerda Pacheco to give the Warriors a 1-0 advantage. The Mountaineers continued to push forward, earning two corner kicks and generating additional opportunities before halftime, but trailing by one as they headed into the break.
Eastern Oregon came out of the break with renewed intensity. Lopez and
Lance Nelson each tested Davidson early in the second half, while
Austin Turner had an attempt blocked and
Evan Reyes narrowly missed the target. The Mountaineers continued to apply pressure, earning two corner kicks before the pressure finally broke through in the 70th minute as Lopez found the back of the net to bring EOU level at 1-1. Just over three minutes later,
Christian Samayoa delivered the go-ahead goal, completing a rapid two-goal surge that put the Mountaineers ahead 2-1.
Corban answered shortly after, earning a penalty kick that Jaycob Miller converted to even the match at 2-2. Eastern Oregon continued to search for the game-winner over the final minutes. Prieto came within inches of restoring the Mountaineers' lead when his 79th-minute attempt struck the post. Lopez continued to pressure the Corban defense, forcing another save in the 83th minute before firing one final attempt wide in the closing seconds.
Lopez led the Mountaineers with eight shots, seven of which were on target, while scoring the first of EOU's two goals. Prieto added four shots, including two on goal and the late attempt that rattled the post. Samayoa finished with two shots, one on target and the game's second EOU goal. The Mountaineers' defense also limited Corban to just two total shots through the 90 minutes of play. Eastern Oregon finished the match with a 21-2 advantage in shots, an 11-2 edge in shots on goal and a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
The draw moves the Mountaineers to 1-1-3 overall and 1-0-1 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play. Eastern Oregon will remain on the road for its next match, heading to Bushnell University for tomorrow night's matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.
