TYLER, TEXAS – The UT Tyler men's soccer team appeared poised to celebrate its home opener with a signature victory Saturday night before visiting Rogers State scored twice in the final three minutes to force a 2-2 draw at Citizens First Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex.
The Patriots controlled much of the evening, outshooting the Hillcats 9-7 and holding advantages in shots on goal (4-3) and corner kicks (8-4). UT Tyler carried a 1-0 lead into halftime and extended the margin to 2-0 with less than five minutes remaining before Rogers State mounted a dramatic late comeback.
UT Tyler broke through in the 27th minute when defender Hugo Dunger found the back of the net off an assist from Jaime Casado. The goal capped a strong first-half stretch for the Patriots, who generated six shots before the break.
The Pats continued to dictate play throughout the second half and doubled their advantage in the 86th minute. Noe Coutino struck a shot off the right post and into the goal to give UT Tyler what appeared to be a comfortable 2-0 lead with 4:36 remaining.
Rogers State responded quickly, cutting the deficit to 2-1 in the 88th minute on a goal by Louis Bassett. The Hillcats then found the equalizer just 1:57 later when Brandon O'Rourke scored in the 90th minute, leveling the match at 2-2.
Dunger and Coutino each scored their first goals of the season, while Casado recorded first assist of the season.
Defensively, goalkeeper Niclas Becker made a save and helped anchor a back line that limited Rogers State to just three shots on goal.
The draw moves UT Tyler to 1-0-1 on the season. Rogers State moved to 3-0-1. The Patriots return to action on Thursday as they travel to Colorado to face Colorado Mines.
