RIVERSIDE, Cal. – Stetson men's soccer came back from a goal down to draw with UC Riverside, 1-1, Friday night at the UC Riverside Soccer Stadium.
 
"I am proud of the group after going down 1-0 on the road on the other side of the country and getting a result," head coach Emmett Rutkowski said "To battle back and get a result then going up 2-1 and having the goal called back was difficult. The effort and energy was a great response from the first half. Owen [Jack] made a few critical, highlight reel saves and is making plays I haven't seen many college keepers make."
 
Although the match was soaked by rain produced by Hurricane Kay, chances were limited by solid defense from both sides in the early going, but offense developed as the game went on. Sophomore Charles Ahl carved out the first solid chance for either side. In the 17th minute, Ahl found a pocket of space for a minimally defended shot for lower left, forcing a save from Highlander goalkeeper Carlos Gonzalez.
 
In the 40th minute, the home side punched through. After a shot from Oscar Penate was blocked by the Hatter defense, Noah Lopez beat everyone else to the loose ball and knocked the rebound into the net and UCR into the lead, 1-0.
 
UCR appeared to be stifling the Hatter offense until Ahl made a run down the left side and forced a defender to foul him inside the Highlander goalbox during the 66th minute. Gio Rodriguez stepped up for the penalty kick and belted the ball into the twine, tying the match at one a piece.
 
The teams continued to battle, both trying to find a game-winner but not surrender anything. In the 72ndd minute, Stetson looked poised to go in the lead. UCR's Jason Garcia committed a foul near the midfield stripe, and the teams shifted into set piece positions. The free kick was booted forward, and a free-running hatter knocked the ball over Gonzalez and into the back of the net. As the side in green was celebrating, a delayed offside call kept the game on even footing.
 
After the called back goal, neither team carved out a solid opportunity for the go-ahead goal as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
 
Hatter goalkeeper Owen Jack recorded five saves after facing 14 shots. Rodriguez's goal was the second of his career and first since pocketing the game-winning goal at Liberty on October 5, 2019.
 
Stetson men's soccer will continue its California swing traveling to Fullerton to face off with Cal State Fullerton. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m., EDT.

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS. Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics and, for live events, Hatter Vision.