COLUMBIA, S.C. – CIU battled back late in the second half to earn a 3-3 draw against the University of Pikeville on Saturday afternoon at Sessions Field.
The Rams came out strong offensively, finding the back of the net twice in the opening 17 minutes to take an early 2-0 lead. Nathan King opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing a pass from Ive Celic to give CIU the advantage. Just over two minutes later, Julian Rodriguez doubled the lead with an unassisted goal in the 17th minute.
CIU maintained its two-goal advantage for much of the first half before Pikeville found the back of the net in the final minute to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.
Pikeville carried its momentum into the second half, scoring in the 52nd minute to even the contest at 2-2. The visitors added another goal in the 67th minute to take their first lead of the afternoon, putting the Rams behind 3-2.
With time winding down, CIU continued to pressure the Pikeville defense in search of an equalizer. The effort paid off in the 86th minute when Rodriguez scored his second goal of the afternoon, connecting with Celic for the game-tying goal to make it 3-3.
The Rams continued their offensive push in the closing minutes, recording three additional shots following the equalizer, but were unable to find a go-ahead goal before the final whistle.
Rodriguez led CIU with two goals on five shots, while King added a goal of his own. Celic contributed two assists, playing a role in all three of the Rams' goals. CIU finished with 14 shots, including seven on target, and held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Goalkeeper Vasilios Diakomihalis recorded five saves in 90 minutes of action as the Rams battled to the 3-3 draw.
The tie clinches CIU's place in the AAC tournament. The Rams will face Truett McConnell in the AAC Quartefinals on Nov. 3.
