COLUMBIA, S.C. — CIU men's soccer opened Appalachian Athletic Conference play with a 1-1 draw against Spartanburg Methodist College on Wednesday evening at Sessions Field.
The Pioneers struck first in the 32nd minute. After CIU goalkeeper Vasilios Diakomihalis made back-to-back saves, Kevin Escorza found the net off an assist from Max Charleston to give SMC a 1-0 advantage.
CIU (2-2-2, 0-0-1 AAC) responded almost immediately after halftime. Just 81 seconds into the second period, Joshua Bell scored his first goal of the season off an assist from Ezekiel Bargas to pull the Rams even at 1-1.
The Rams generated nine of their 11 shots in the second half and finished with six attempts on goal. CIU also held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Both sides had opportunities to break the deadlock down the stretch. SMC's Steve Ouattara hit the crossbar in the 70th minute, while CIU's Elias Jonsson put a header on frame in the 79th that was stopped by SMC goalkeeper Miles Mullen. Diakomihalis finished the night with five saves for the Rams.
CIU returns to AAC action Saturday when the Rams travel to Barbourville, Kentucky, to face No. 24 Union Commonwealth University.
