DEL VALLE, Texas – Wayland Baptist University men's soccer erased a two-goal halftime deficit with three goals in the opening 16 minutes of the second half, but Huston-Tillotson answered with a late equalizer as the Pioneers battled the Rams to a 3-3 draw Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Pioneers fell behind 2-0 in the opening half before producing an impressive offensive surge after halftime.
Wayland's comeback began just 1:11 into the second half when Lorian Aerts found the back of the net on a free kick from the top of the penalty area, cutting the Rams' lead to 2-1.
Just under four minutes later, the Pioneers pulled even. Evan Schumacher headed home a corner kick from Maximiliano Campos in the 51st minute, bringing Wayland level at 2-2.
Wayland continued to apply pressure and completed the comeback in the 61st minute. Aerts connected with Renato Katrip in a transitional give-and-go, with Katrip returning the ball to Aerts for his second goal of the night and a 3-2 Pioneer advantage.
Huston-Tillotson responded in the 72nd minute, however, when Daniel Cerda capitalized on a turnover just in front of the Wayland penalty area to tie the match at 3-3.
Neither team could find the decisive goal during the final 18 minutes as the Pioneers settled for the draw.
Aerts led the Wayland attack with two goals on seven shots, including four shots on goal. Schumacher added a goal on three shots, while Katrip recorded four shots and an assist.
Campos finished with an assist on Schumacher's goal, while Maximiliano Campos and Katrip each recorded an assist in the match. Wayland finished with 19 shots, including 10 on target, compared to 16 shots and 12 shots on goal for the Rams.
In goal, Drew Arehart played all 90 minutes and made eight saves for the Pioneers.
The Rams opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Hank Sullins converted a free kick opportunity, and Alejandro Cruz doubled the advantage with a goal in the 42nd minute to send Huston-Tillotson into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
Wayland Baptist will return to action Sunday, Sept. 6, at 3 p.m. when the Pioneers travel to Abilene, Texas, to face McMurry University.
