SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Michael Sosa converted a penalty kick in the 87th minute to help Mission University earn a 2-2 draw against Ozark Christian on Sept. 22.
The Patriots controlled much of the match and finished with a 23-8 advantage in shots, including a 16-6 edge during the second half. Mission placed 13 attempts on goal but had to rally after Ozark Christian took a one-goal lead with approximately 30 minutes remaining.
Miller Gives Mission Early Lead
Mission opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Austin Miller found the net off an assist from Daniel Williams.
Ozark Christian responded in the 24th minute as Grayson Niswonger scored following an assist from Titus Brown, sending the teams into halftime tied at 1-1.
The Patriots recorded seven shots during the opening half and held Ozark Christian to two. Rhyder Martin placed another attempt on goal, but goalkeeper Gadden Mutter made the save.
Patriots Rally in Final Minutes
Mission applied immediate pressure after halftime. Nevaun Lindo, Sosa and Luke Tompkins each placed shots on goal during the first seven minutes of the period.
Ozark Christian moved ahead in the 60th minute when Silas Schonhoffer scored an unassisted goal.
The Patriots continued to create opportunities while searching for the equalizer. Lindo had three second-half attempts saved, while Miller placed shots on goal in the 75th and 86th minutes.
Mission's pressure eventually resulted in a penalty kick in the 87th minute, and Sosa converted to tie the match at 2-2.
Kevin Amaro made a defensive save less than a minute later to prevent Ozark Christian from regaining the lead. Mission produced two more chances before the final whistle, but Miller's shot went wide and Mutter stopped Sosa's final attempt.
By the Numbers
Mission outshot Ozark Christian 23-8 and held a 13-6 advantage in shots on goal. The Patriots also earned six corner kicks.
Miller led Mission with six shots, three shots on goal and a goal. Lindo finished with five shots and three attempts on frame, while Sosa recorded four shots, three shots on goal and the tying goal.
Miles Cook made three saves in goal, and Amaro added the late defensive save. Mission moved to 1-4-1 with the draw.
