WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's men's soccer team had double the shots of Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Saturday but had to settle for a 1-1 double overtime draw.
The Lancers shot 18 times compared to nine for the Cougars and let a first-half lead slip away after halftime.
The sun quickly set during Wednesday's match, setting the stage for a chilly evening of soccer at 1st Source Bank Field.
The first half quickly settled into each team's style. Grace was content to possess the ball and look for holes in MVNU's defense; the Cougars poised for counterattacks.
Grace's patient style seemed to control the half; the Cougars only had three shots in the first half.
The Lancers (7-4-3, 1-3-2 Crossroads League) were most dangerous during the middle portions of the half. Marcelo Talamas and Ulisses Miranda had goal-scoring opportunities minutes apart that missed.
Grace finally broke through in the 37th minute. Gabriel Dos Santos made a dangerous run on the left side of the field and made a cross into the penalty box. Marcelo Talamas placed his shot past the goalkeeper to put Grace ahead 1-0.
Although the Cougars (8-3-3, 3-1-2 CL) threatened with pressure in the waning seconds of the half, Grace maintained the 1-0 edge into halftime. The Lancers outshot MVNU 7-3 in the first 45 minutes of play.
The second half was a midfield battle. Cody Boerema had the only attempt of the first 15 minutes.
The Cougars' first shot of the second half didn't come until almost 20 minutes, but it nearly tied the game. Gonzalo Salo had to make a nearly point-blank save on a shot from Joshua Sitney.
MVNU made good on its next shot a minute later. Grace tried to clear a corner kick, but it went only as far as the top of the box. The Cougars' Niquell de Matas placed a one-time volley just beyond Salo's reach to even the score.
Grace had two golden opportunities to win late in regulation. The first was a breakaway from Talamas which was saved, followed by a curling effort by Miranda which went wide.
Almost immediately, the Cougars had a breakaway of their own, prompting Salo to make a clutch save.
Grace seemed poised to score during the first overtime period. Talamas got a clean look after a free kick which was saved. Togo Narusawa also had a shot saved after a strong build up.
But a golden goal was not to be found during the overtime sessions. Grace had a 3-1 edge in shot attempts in the overtimes.
The match saw 31 fouls and five yellow cards; all five cards were issued after halftime.
Talamas shot six times to lead all players, and Miranda and Boerema each had three shots.
Saturday was also Senior Night, honoring Grace's senior class before the match.
The Lancers are on the road next. Grace will travel to Spring Arbor on Wednesday, hoping to upset the defending conference champions.
