NORTHRIDGE, California – Houston Christian University put home a late penalty kick to draw even with Cal State Northridge as the two battled to a 2-2 draw at Matador Soccer Field on Friday evening.
The Huskies took an early 1-0 lead courtesy of a
Callum Niven goal in the 31st minute. Off the counter attack,
Ryan Okerayi fed a through ball to the center of the field finding Niven, who put a shot to the low left after a couple of dribbles, giving HCU the early advantage.
CSUN would knot things up just a few minutes away from the intermission, as Michael Blevins played a ball at the top of the box with a touch pass to Francisco Garibay, who put home a score from straightaway to pull the Matadors even at one-apiece.
The Matadors would then claim the lead just nine seconds into the 79th minute on a goal by Tito Oyewo, who was in the right place at the right time in the box, nudging home a deep throw in by Messiah Antwi.
HCU would get the equalizer just 13 seconds off the ensuing kick-off as Niven got his second score of the evening, putting home a shot from the spot. The penalty was earned as the Huskies kicked off and played the ball into the middle of the field where
Ricardo Garcia quickly fed over the top to
Clarenns Sainrimat, who was clattered in the box by the keeper.
Cal State Northridge would get three more chances in the final 10 minutes but none on target as the Huskies defense stiffened to preserve the tie.
Niven opened his HCU account with the brace, and led the Huskies with four shots, two on goal.
Ryan Okerayi got his first assist of the season on the first goal by Niven.
Harvey Heeps had two saves for HCU.
CSUN outshot the Huskies 16-8, but the two teams were even at four in shots on goal.
HCU is now 1-3-1 overall. The Huskies will conclude their three-game road stretch with a Monday night matchup in Phoenix, Arizona against former WAC foe Grand Canyon University. Kick-off from GCU Stadium is set for 9 pm CT.
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