KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Eric McGuire headed home a Ben Bradshaw corner kick with two minutes remaining, helping Oregon Tech salvage a 1-1 draw with Benedictine Mesa in the 2025 season opener for both teams.
 
The Hustlin' Owls (0-0-1) extended an unbeaten streak in season openers to seven, shaking off a slow start to control much of the run of play in the second half.
 
The Redhawks (0-0-1), an NAIA side from Arizona, capitalized on a break just six minutes into the match to take an early lead. Tech had a throw in just inside the end line, which was won in the air by BenU's Jack Taylor – who headed a ball just outside the area.  Ryder Padgett was in the right place – rocking a one-time 25-yard shot into the top left corner of the net for the score.
 
BenU used a physical style of play – finishing the day with 17 fouls – holding OIT to no shot attempts in the first 43 minutes of play.
 
After the break, Tech found their rhythm – posting an 8-5 edge in total shots. Merrick Tambio had two chances to tie the game – a 1-v-1 chance in the 63rd minute that was stopped by keeper Moritz Ae and a 25-yard drive in the 82nd minute that missed just high. Reserve defender Reese Fletcher pushed forward, getting a header on a pair of set pieces – with both narrowly missing the net.
 
In the 88th minute, a defensive breakdown on a clearance allowed Tech their third corner kick chance of the day. Bradshaw played a looping ball into the 6-yard-box – with McGuire one-timing the chance into the net.
 
Both keepers – Ae for BenU and Harvey Bolland for OIT – made two saves on the day.
 
Tech hits the road for their next four matches – starting Sunday at Simpson – with game time moved to 12 p.m. due to excessive heat in Redding.