OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's soccer team grinded out a tough 1-1 draw against a stingy York Panthers squad on Wednesday evening at AdventHealth Field.
The matchup pitted the KCAC's top offense (Ottawa, 2.92 goals scored per game) against the conference's best defense (York, 1.42 goals allowed per game).

The Panthers would strike early on their first opportunity of the game, with a goal from Johan Rodriguez assisted by Otavio Avila in the sixth minute. The Braves settled after the early opening Panthers' goal and began creating some chances of their own. Bence Molnar had a free kick that went off the post in the 20^th minute that nearly tied the game.

The Braves would find a breakthrough in the 29^th minute, when Molnar assisted Slobodan Novicevic to pull Ottawa even at 1-1. The Panthers had a golden opportunity to take the lead before halftime following a Braves' defensive miscue, but York's Matias Madriaga shot hit harmlessly off the post despite a 1-1 breakaway versus Braves' keeper Gage Powers. Both teams headed into the break tied at 1-1.

The Braves caught a break in the 54^th minute, when York's Sebastian Sanhueza was issued his second yellow card and forcing the Panthers to play a man down. Prior to the York red card, the Panthers looked strong to open the second half, with four shots either blocked or saved in the opening 10 minutes. It was obvious the Panthers were content to play for the tie following the red card. Ottawa was able to find some possession playing a man up, but was unable to find the go-ahead goal against the stout Panther's defense.

Up Next: OU men's soccer team returns to AdventHealth Field on Friday, hosting the Bethany Swedes at 7:30 p.m.