FLURRY OF GOALS RESULT IN 2-2 DRAW AGAINST MVNU

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. –The Olivet Nazarene University men's soccer team punched in two go-ahead goals in a five-minute span but could not tack down the victory in a 2-2 draw against Mount Vernon Nazarene Saturday afternoon at the Bahr Soccer Facility.

The first half saw Olivet Nazarene's offensive efforts led by Patrick Dye's strong performance in goal, making crucial saves in the 7th, 17th, and 33rd minutes. Despite a series of shots and two consecutive corner kicks by Caleb Mariotti in the 42nd and 43rd minutes, the team was unable to convert these opportunities into goals. Philip Joergensen and David Garcia both had multiple shot attempts, testing the Mount Vernon Nazarene goalkeeper but ultimately saw their efforts saved or blocked, resulting in a scoreless first half.

The second half began with Olivet taking the lead in the 54th minute when Adrian Kang Hagman scored the first goal of the match, assisted by Ali Sillah. This goal marked the first time Mount Vernon Nazarene allowed a goal this season, breaking their defensive streak. Shortly after Mount Vernon Nazarene equalized, Mariotti restored Olivet's lead in the 58th minute with an assist from Hagman. Despite another equalizer from the visitors, Olivet created multiple scoring opportunities, including a penalty kick attempt by Kingsley Kanu early in the half, which was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. The half ended with both teams locked at 2-2.

Dye played a key role for the Tigers with five saves as the goalkeeper, facing seven shots in total. Mariotti contributed offensively by scoring one goal on his only shot attempt, which was on target. Hagman delivered a strong performance, scoring one goal and providing one assist, with his single shot on goal resulting in a score. Sillah added to the team's play-making efforts with one assist, also taking two shots with one on goal.

Olivet holds a record of 1-0-1 following the matchup. They will close their season-opening homestand when they host Marian Wednesday night at 5 p.m.

--ONU—

*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu