Press Release

MARION – Despite outshooting their opponent by nearly 20 shots, Grace’s men’s soccer team had to settle for a 2-2 draw at Indiana Wesleyan on Tuesday.

The Lancers (1-2-2, 1-2-2 Crossroads League) went to overtime for the second time this season, picking up their second tie in the process.

Grace outshot the Wildcats 31-13. IWU also mustered just three shots on goal for the 110 minutes of action, scoring on two of those attempts.

The Wildcats (3-1-1, 2-1-1 CL) pounced early on the Lancers, scoring on the game’s first shot less than four minutes into the outing.

Grace was unable to score on its first shot like IWU; instead Grace scored on its second shot. Ulisses Miranda finished off an assist from Jules Peycelon nine minutes into the match to level the score at 1-1.

The rest of the half belonged to Grace. The Lancers outshot IWU 16-3 before halftime, applying consistent pressure on IWU’s goal. Grace also had eight corner kick attempts compared to zero for IWU in the first half.

But it was not until the final minutes of the half that Grace scored again. Miranda found his second goal, blasting in a deep shot which gave the Lancers a 2-1 edge at halftime.

Unfortunately for Grace, IWU struck quickly again to open up the second half. The Wildcats needed five minutes of play after halftime to find the equalizer at 2-2.

The Lancers still owned a 10-6 advantage in shots in the second half, but Grace was unable to find a winner in regulation.

In the first overtime, Miranda had the best opportunity. He fired a low shot on a direct attack, but his attempt was saved.

Jordan Jayapuram also had a shot that was blocked, and Miranda had another effort that was blocked just wide of the goal frame.

Grace was the aggressor again in the second overtime, threatening almost immediately. A strong run from Jonny Mora produced a corner kick. The set piece resulted in a diving header from Korry Hamlin which was saved.

Miranda nearly won the game with the final attempt of the night. The senior’s shot bounced off the crossbar, however, and the teams were forced to accept a draw.

Grace has now had four of its five games decided by zero or one goals.

Miranda and Felipe Gruber each had eight shots to lead all players, and Ze Maria Goncalves tried five shots.

The Lancers are home twice this week. On Thursday, Grace will host Goshen at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Grace will host Marian at 7 p.m.