PRESCOTT, Ariz. – Down two goals inside the final eight minutes, Oregon Tech peppered the Embry-Riddle net, getting goals from
Cannon Spooner and an equalizer with a minute to play from
Cash Cota, as the Hustlin' Owls and Eagles played to a 2-2 draw.
OIT (1-0-2) ran their unbeaten streak in the month of August to 13, taking eight of their 13 shots in the contest inside the last 10 minutes.
"The boys scrapped hard," said head coach
Sean McManamon. "They left it late, but we stuck together and did what we had to sacrifice and earn the point. We need to start games like that."
ERAU (0-2-2) opened the scoring in the 11th minute, as Christopher Cruz took a long thru-ball from Dario Ajdini and blasted a 20-yard strike into the net. The Eagles would have multiple chances to add-on, but Tech keeper
Noah Harwood made three key saves.
A tripping call in the box, allowed Lucas Thompson to convert from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, giving the hosts the 2-0 lead.
One minute later, OIT cut the lead in half, as
Kasey Smith played a free kick from near midfield, finding the head of Spooner, who touched the ball over Stav Staham and into the net.
Tech kept the ball in the attacking third for the next six minutes, generating six shots – including a
Yahir Ramos strike cleared off the goal line. At the start of the 90th minute,
Sammy Villalta played a cross to the back post, finding an unmarked Cota to square the score.
The Eagles had a final push, as a loose ball in the box with 10 seconds left found the foot of Thompson, but his 12-yard attempt hit the top of the crossbar and missed wide.
Both teams took 13 shots in the match, with Tech holding a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.
The Owls return to the Basin this week – hosting Arizona Christian on Thursday and The Master's on Saturday.
