OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's soccer team finished the 2022 home opener in a 1-1 draw against Oklahoma Panhandle State University on Saturday evening at AdventHealth Field.

The Braves controlled possession in the first half, creating a few chances but none that really threatened Aggies goalkeeper Catalin Nastuta. The Braves were able to get the ball wide and send in some crosses, but Nastuta was there to punch or corral the ball in each time. The Braves outshout the Aggies 12-1 in the opening half, but still went into the break in a scoreless tie.

The Braves were able to strike first in the 64^th minute, with a goal from Bence Molnar assisted by Slobodan Novicevic. Novicevic won the ball high up the pitch by pressing the Aggies goalkeeper Nastuta into a turnover. Novicevic tracked down the ball out wide and found Molnar in the middle for a tap-in goal.

The Braves' lead did not last long, conceding the equalizer from a header by Brian Riojas assisted by an Andre Sardinha free kick. The paced picked up in the last 20 minutes, with both teams pushing forward to score a goal. Neither team was able to find a go-ahead goal, resulting in the 1-1 draw at the end of regulation.

Up Next: The Braves travel to Orange City, Iowa to take on Northwestern College on Friday, Sep. 2 at 5 p.m.