MIDWAY, Ky. — The Midway University men's soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw against Brescia University on Thursday afternoon at Midway Turf Field in a pivotal River States Conference matchup.
The Eagles scored twice in the opening 19 minutes and carried a 2-1 advantage into halftime, but a late goal from the Bearcats forced the teams to split the points.
With the result, Midway moved to 7-4-3 overall and 1-3-1 in RSC play, while Brescia moved to 6-5-3 overall and 3-1-1 in conference competition.
First Half
Midway wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, striking just 4:26 into the contest.
Sophomore Rhys Dickson opened the scoring with his second goal of the season off assists from Nahuel Cruz Arjona and Martiniano Sansone, giving the Eagles an early 1-0 advantage.
However, Brescia responded just 75 seconds later when Brodie Finnie scored his third goal of the season off an assist from Felipe Molina, evening the match at one.
The Eagles regained the lead in the 19th minute when Sansone found the back of the net for his third goal of the season.
Saleh Ekuchi recorded the assist on the go-ahead goal, putting Midway back in front, 2-1.
Midway held a 6-4 advantage in shots during the opening 45 minutes and carried its one-goal lead into halftime.
Second Half
The Bearcats increased their offensive pressure following halftime, recording nine shots and earning eight corner kicks in the second half.
Midway continued creating opportunities of its own, finishing with eight second-half shots as the Eagles looked to extend their lead.
With just over 10 minutes remaining, Brescia found the equalizer.
Javi Fernandez Albandrea scored his 10th goal of the season at the 79:31 mark off an assist from Santiago Garcia Peirat, tying the contest at two.
Neither team found another goal in the closing minutes as the Eagles and Bearcats settled for a 2-2 draw.
Inside the Box Score
Sansone led Midway offensively with four shots, one goal and one assist. Dickson added two shots and scored his second goal of the season.
George Spencer recorded three shots, while Cruz Arjona contributed a shot on goal and an assist. Ekuchi also registered an assist.
The Eagles held a narrow 14-13 advantage in total shots, while Brescia finished with a 4-3 edge in shots on goal.
Brescia earned nine corner kicks compared to six for Midway.
In goal, Landon Sorrell recorded two saves for the Eagles, while Jonathan Tucker finished with one save for the Bearcats.
Looking Ahead
Midway will remain at home for its final two regular-season matches.
The Eagles will host #9 Rio Grande on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. before welcoming WV Tech on Thursday Oct 29 for senior day.
Both matches will be important as the Eagles continue their push for postseason positioning in the River States Conference.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
