By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
WALESKA, Ga. - The final leg of a three-match homestand for men's soccer culminated in No. 20 Tennessee Wesleyan invading Ken White Field at University Stadium - and it didn't disappoint - as both teams went on multiple runs throughout the night to end in a 3-3 draw on Wednesday.
The outcome was the first tie of the year for the Eagles, who are now 3-4-1 on the season (2-1-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference).
"Challenging match tonight against a quality opponent," lead Eagle Joey Johnson said. "I appreciate the efforts of our players as they battled hard for each other this evening."
The hometown squad came out on a mission and seemed well-prepared for the nationally-ranked Bulldogs, as Reinhardt played strong team defense while finding Aaron Whitten streaking to the goal twice in the first 19 minutes for a 2-0 advantage.
Tennessee Wesleyan would find itself right back in the thick of things thanks to an Eagle own-goal as the ball bounced in for a score. From there, the Bulldogs would string together two more scores to take their first lead at 3-2 at the 51:50 mark.
Reinhardt wouldn't go quietly as the team knocked on the door of scoring multiple times before Trevor Robinson would hit Taylor Gray on the far-left side of the field for the match-tying tally.
Neither team would be able to find the scoresheet in extra time, however, but that didn't mean there wasn't chances for a golden goal. Tennessee Wesleyan combined for seven shots in overtime, but the Eagles seemed to hold the advantage and all the momentum - especially in the final 10 minutes - as they had five shots, including a pair in the last moments that would've been walk-off caliber.
The Bulldogs held a 28-18 advantage in attempts and 11-8 in on-goal shots.
Individually, Gray was out front with four shots, while Whitten and Callum Lees each had three.
Niko Tzevelekos made several crucial stops on his eight-save night.
St. Andrews (N.C.) welcomes Reinhardt to its field on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. as conference action continues.
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