DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake men's soccer team was just 12 minutes from securing a season-opening win, but the visiting Bears of Central Arkansas had other ideas as the two teams played to a 1-1 draw.
Veteran Bulldog
Evan Carlson wasted no time getting Drake on the board with a hot shot into the corner of the net just five minutes into the game. Carlson benefitted from a well-placed
Malachi Anya assist.
Drake kept UCA at bay through the remainder of the first half and took its 1-0 advantage into the locker room.
The Bears offensive woes continued after the break as Drake maintained its slim lead until the late stages. Central Arkansas shocked the host Bulldogs in the 79th minute when standout Maxim Sheenkov gathered a dish via Kyle Schwartz and Logan Smith to equalize the match at 1-1.
Both sides amped up their attack down the stretch with hopes of inching in front to no avail. The final horn sounded with the two sides knotted at one goal apiece.
"We are bummed to not hang on to the three points," Drake head coach
Pat Flinn said. "We either needed to put the game away with a second goal when we had our chances or do a better job dealing with the moment they equalized. There is a lot of soccer left, and we need to grow in each match. [We're moving] on to the next action, which will be a real test at Creighton."
Carlson had two shots to lead Drake while Schwartz and Rico Duggan matched for the Bears. In goal, UCA's Merrick Cook edged Drake's
Tomas Butkovic 3-2 in saves.
The Bulldogs will head Omaha to meet Creighton this Sunday, August 23. Drake and the Bluejays are set for a 4 p.m. start.
