TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler men's soccer battled to a 2-2 draw against St. Edward's on Saturday night at Citizens First Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex, scoring twice in the second half before the Hilltoppers found a late equalizer. The Patriots moved to 4-5-5 overall and 2-4-2 in Lone Star Conference play.
St. Edward's struck first in the 27th minute when they found the back of the net to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 advantage. UT Tyler looked to respond before halftime, generating opportunities and earning five corner kicks in the opening period, but entered the break trailing by one.
The Patriots continued to pressure the Hilltoppers after halftime and found the equalizer in the 57th minute. Caden Naizer scored his first goal of the season off an assist from Luis Martinez to bring UT Tyler level at 1-1.
UT Tyler kept its momentum rolling and took the lead in the 82nd minute. Dennis Nyame delivered his third goal of the season, with Martinez recording his second assist of the night, putting the Patriots ahead 2-1 with less than 10 minutes remaining.
However, St. Edward's responded in the 89th minute when they scored to even the contest at 2-2. The Patriots were unable to find a decisive goal in the closing moments, and the two teams finished level after 90 minutes.
UT Tyler finished with a 19-14 advantage in total shots and put seven attempts on target compared to four for St. Edward's. The Patriots also earned 10 corner kicks, compared to the Hilltoppers' three.
Martinez played a key role in the Patriots' offensive production, assisting on both second-half goals. Naizer and Nyame each found the net, while goalkeeper Niclas Becker recorded two saves in the contest.
The Patriots will look to build on their second-half performance as they continue Lone Star Conference play in the final stretch of the regular season.
