SALEM, OREGON – The UT Tyler men's soccer program battled back from a second-half deficit to earn a 1-1 draw on Thursday afternoon in Oregon.
The Patriots move to 2-0-3 on the season following their second consecutive draw. UT Tyler finished the match with eight shots and six corner kicks, while Beaux Benson made five saves in goal to keep the Patriots within striking distance throughout the afternoon.
Both teams created opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, but neither was able to find the back of the net. UT Tyler goalkeeper Beaux Benson made a pair of saves in the first half, while the Patriots generated several chances of their own.
UT Tyler recorded four shots in the opening half, including a shot on goal from Dennis Nyame in the 20th minute that was turned away. Luis Martinez, Azael Ochoa and Patricio Villalobos Perez also recorded first-half attempts as the Patriots continued to pressure the opposing defense.
The Patriots continued to battle early in the second half, with Benson making multiple saves to keep the match within reach.
The Patriots eventually found themselves trailing 1-0 after the opposition scored in the 62nd minute. UT Tyler continued to push forward in search of an equalizer, creating additional opportunities and earning multiple corner kicks as the second half progressed.
UT Tyler's persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Noe Coutiño found the back of the net to level the match at 1-1. Coutiño got the final touch on the play, glancing the ball off the left post and into the net during a crowded scramble following a corner kick. Luis Martinez was credited with the assist.
The Patriots continued to push for a go-ahead goal in the final minutes, with Martinez recording another shot in the 85th minute, but UT Tyler was unable to find the game-winner as the teams settled for the 1-1 draw.
Coutiño recorded his second goal of the season, while Martinez finished with a team-high three shots and an assist. Villalobos added two shots, and Benson's five saves helped the Patriots secure the draw.
