HOBBS, N.M. — The Wayland Baptist University men's soccer team battled back from an early deficit Wednesday afternoon to earn a 1-1 draw against the University of the Southwest at Bob Moran Field.

Southwest struck first in the 21st minute when Jose Attong found the back of the net off an assist from Stefano Carvajal. The Mustangs' lead, however, lasted less than two minutes.

At the 21:53 mark, Lorian Aerts answered for the Pioneers, scoring his first goal of the match to level the contest at 1-1.

"We are growing more and more into our roles and the way we want to play. I thought the attitude and character to get ourselves back into the game was fantastic," said Wayland Baptist head coach Robert Ssejjemba.

The two teams entered halftime tied at 1-1, with Southwest holding a 7-3 advantage in shots during the opening 45 minutes. Wayland goalkeeper Benjamin Godard kept the Pioneers within striking distance, recording four saves in the opening half.

The second half remained scoreless despite opportunities on both sides. Wayland registered five shots after halftime, including attempts on target from Matus Nemec and Ian Franchini, but Southwest goalkeeper Jeremy Rueda turned away both efforts.

Godard also continued to play a key role in goal for the Pioneers, making two additional saves in the second half to finish with five saves on the afternoon.

Southwest finished with a 12-8 advantage in total shots and a 7-5 edge in shots on goal. The Mustangs also held a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks, while Wayland committed six fouls compared to eight for Southwest.

Aerts led the Pioneers offensively with two shots, both on target, and the lone Wayland goal. Maximiliano Campos added one shot on goal, while Nemec recorded two shots with one on frame.

The draw moves Wayland Baptist to 1-1-3 on the season, while Southwest also moves to 1-1-3.

UP NEXT

The Pioneers return home Saturday, Sept. 12, at 4 p.m., when they host Adams State University at J.V. Hilliard Field on the campus of Wayland Baptist University.