DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake men's soccer team returned to Des Moines for their 2022 home opener at the Cownie Soccer Complex. The Bulldogs battled Division I newcomer Lindenwood to a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Both teams took a while to settle into the contest as both teams traded several shots through the first 12 minutes. Despite the sluggish start from both squads, Drake finally broke the stalemate in the 33rd minute.
Louis Yuill scored his first goal of the season after a
Timmy Browning assist to put the Bulldogs on top.
Lindenwood maintained their 1-0 deficit into the halftime break.
After the break, the Lions seemed to make significant defensive adjustments. Lindenwood's strategy proved tricky for Drake as the Bulldog offense failed to capitalize on early opportunities. Eventually, Feho Sabotic delivered the game-tying goal in the 54th minute with an assist by Anis Smajlovic.
Looking at their third-consecutive draw, the Bulldogs amped up their pressure on both ends of the field. Heading into the game's late stages, reserve
Sam Thornton came on an delivered the game-winner. In the 86th minute, Thornton collected a loose ball and deposited his third goal of the season in the net.
The Bulldogs held firm through the last few minutes to capture their second win of the year and improve to 2-1-2 overall.
"Winning college soccer games is very difficult," Drake head coach
Pat Flinn said after the contest. "I don't think we played our best in the first 60 minutes, but credit to Lindenwood for making it very difficult on us. The guys poured it on for the last 30 minutes and found the game-winning goal they deserved. We are very excited to get into conference play this weekend."
Drake men's soccer will hit the road for their MVC opener at UIC in Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
NOTES
- Drake outshot Lindenwood 13-10 and both teams each recorded five shots on goal.
- Lindenwood committed 13 fouls in the game.
- Four players were booked with yellow cards.
- Both of Louis Youll's shots were on target.
