Hickory, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne University Men’s Soccer Team battled to 1-1 draw Saturday night against UNC Pembroke at the Moretz Sports – Athletic Complex.  In a grueling physical battle with waves of momentum swings throughout, neither team could capitalize to gain control of the match.  Both teams are now 2-2-1 on the season.

In the first half, UNCP was able to keep the L-R off-balance by maintaining the lion’s share of possession.  UNCP held a 7-4 shot advantage in the opening frame but junior goalkeeper Tom Heath (Solihull, ENGLAND) came up with two big saves to keep L-R in the game.

With vital adjustments at the break, the Bears opened the second half with a fury.  After pouring on the pressure in the opening minutes of the half, sophomore midfielder Daniel Jones (Wrexham, ENGLAND) broke through the UNCP defense and was fouled just 13 yards from goal.  The play earned the Bears a penalty kick.  Senior midfielder Gary Higgins (Paisley, SCOTLAND) netted the kick to put L-R up 1-0 at the 52:36 mark.

L-R was unable to capitalize on ensuing opportunities to increase its lead.  UNCP finally broke through and on a counter attack at the 68:57 mark, Davis Stephenson (Rutherfordton, N.C.) finished a shot from about 20 yards out to even the match.

UNCP outshot the Bears by a 20-10 count on the night, but the shots on goal were even at seven.

Heath and UNCP goalkeeper Tom Courtney (Newcastle upon Tyne, ENGLAND) both made six saves in the draw.

Lenoir-Rhyne will go on the road next Wednesday to face Brevard in its first South Atlantic Conference matchup of the year.  Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m.