The Basics

Score: Evangel 2, Bethel 2 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (5-2-4, 1-2-4), Bethel (4-3-5, 3-1-3)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Men's Soccer returned home on Saturday (Oct. 7) afternoon, looking to break their streak of ties, facing off with a strong Bethel team. Although Evangel was able to take a lead in the second half, the Threshers were able to score an equalizer, as both teams took a 2-2 tie, Evangel's third consecutive tie of the season.

Evangel spent the majority of the first half limiting the Bethel offense, using strong defensive play to not allow the Threshers a goal. The Valor registered their first shot at the 26:33 mark, when Ted Okoroh had a nice attempt on goal that was stopped by the Threshers keeper. Franco Cuevas and Lucas Arias both recorded shots in the half, but the Valor could not score in the half. Bethel's offense was slowed by Evangel's defense, as both teams took a scoreless tie into the halftime break.

Bethel's offense came out very aggressive in the second half, attempting to shoot passing lanes and intercept passes. The Threshers were successful in the first minute and a half, stealing a pass and scoring a goal to take a 1-0 lead at the 46:26 mark. Just five minutes later, Evangel's Ruben Gonzalez took the ball up the left side of the field and jetted past defenders, scoring Evangel's first goal of the game to tie the score, 1-1. At the 65:52 mark, Evangel scored their second goal of the match, on a Eneh Chibozor penalty shot to take a 2-1 lead. The Valor defense hung tough against Bethel's strong offense, but with less than seven minutes left in the match, Bethel tied the score up on a breakaway goal, making it a 2-2 game. The Valor defense was able to stop Bethel from scoring an additional goal in the final minutes, giving both teams a 2-2 tie at the end of regulation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Evangel recorded their third consecutive tie of the season on Saturday.

• The Valor were out shot in the draw, 20-11.

• Evangel allowed a pair of goals in the draw, tied for the most goals scored by a single team this season.

• Both Ruben Gonzales and Eneh Chibozor scored the first goals of their seasons on Saturday.

UP NEXT

Evangel Men's Soccer hosts the nationally ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles on Wednesday (Oct. 11) evening at 7:30 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.