Men’s Soccer Comes Back to Tie Westminster

FULTON, Mo. – The Eureka men's soccer team fought back from a two-goal deficit on Saturday afternoon to tie Westminster 2-2. 

The Red Devils got off to a slow start, conceding a goal in the 33^rd minute. Just nine minutes later, the Blue Jays were awarded a penalty and converted, giving them a 2-0 lead going into halftime. Eureka came out of the halftime break with renewed energy, determined to get back in the game. In the 72^nd minute, Joyce Kabesa (Bloomington, Ill./Bloomington) finally pulled a goal back for Eureka. Jacob Russow (Streator, Ill./Streator) initiated the chance by rifling a shot off the crossbar; Kabesa was there to head in the rebound, cutting the lead to 2-1. 

In the 76^th minute, the Red Devils were awarded a free kick in the Blue Jays' half. Once again, Russow was involved, playing the free kick into the box for Cole Hays (Evansville, Ind./Harrison) to run onto and tap into the back of the net, leveling the match at 2-2. The Red Devils pushed for a winner in the final 14 minutes but could not break through, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. 

Westminster outshot Eureka 15-11, with 10 shots on goal compared 7 for Eureka. Daniel Jüeliger (London, UK/Netherhall Secondary School) led the Red Devils with 3 shots, 2 of which were on target. Brayton Strawkas (Buffalo, Ill./Tri-City) played the full 90 minutes in goal for Eureka, recording 8 saves.

UP NEXT

The Red Devils are on the road Saturday, Oct. 26, against Spalding. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. CT.