PENSACOLA, Fla. — CIU men's soccer played Pensacola Christian College to a 1-1 draw Tuesday in the first meeting between the programs since 2018.
Neither team found the back of the net during the opening 45 minutes despite CIU generating the better share of the attacking opportunities. The Rams took eight shots in the first half and placed four on goal, while the Eagles recorded four shots with two on target.
CIU broke through shortly after halftime. Julian Rodriguez scored in the 49th minute off an assist from Andreas Kosta to give the Rams a 1-0 advantage.Pensacola Christian responded less than seven minutes later after being awarded a penalty kick. Samir Vieira Siqueira converted the attempt in the 55th minute to even the match at 1-1.
The Rams continued to pressure the Eagles following the equalizer, producing 14 shots in the second half. Ive Celic nearly restored CIU's lead in the 71st minute when his attempt struck the crossbar. CIU continued pushing for the deciding goal through the final whistle and earned a corner kick with 18 seconds remaining, but neither team was able to break the deadlock.
The Rams finished with a 22-10 advantage in shots, including an 11-5 edge in shots on goal. CIU also held a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks. Ezekiel Bargas led the Rams with six shots, placing four on goal, while Celic recorded five shots with three on target. Rodriguez placed both of his attempts on goal and scored CIU's lone goal.
Vasilios Diakomihalis played all 90 minutes in goal for the Rams and made four saves.
The draw moves CIU to 1-1-1 on the season.
The Rams return to action Saturday, Sept. 5, when they travel to Bluefield, Va., to face Bluefield University in a nonconference matchup.
