Men's Soccer Opens Conference Play Against Drew, Falls 2-1 in OT

MADISON, NJ – The Juniata men's soccer team opened up Landmark Conference play on the road against the Drew Rangers and fell 2-1 in overtime.

Drew struck early in the game to take a 1-0 lead in the first half. They would hold on to the lead until Dani Meyer-Arrivillaga (Durham, NC / Carolina Friends) would get the equalizer with just under three minutes to play. 

Juniata was pressing high on Drew's back line prior to the goal and forced a mistake from one of their defenders. Charlie Jones (Lebanon, PA / Cedar Crest) jumped on the ball, dribbled hard into the defense and found Meyer-Arrivillaga inside the box. 

Meyer-Arrivillaga's goal forced the two foes into overtime.

"We had a great effort in the second half today," head coach Dan Dubois said. "The ability we showed in fighting back to force OT was great. Every Landmark match is going to be close and today we showed that we can play with anybody."

A handball inside the box would set up a penalty kick for Drew with just under two minutes remaining in overtime. Benjamin Audi would find the back of the net, ending the game 2-1. 

James Johnson (Cumberland, MD / Fort Hill) got the start in goal for the Eagles and recorded ten saves against the Rangers. 

Meyer-Arrivillaga led the Juniata offense with three total shots.

Drew held a 12-3 advantage in shots on goal and an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks.

The emotions and energy of conference play resulted in a great match between Juniata and the Rangers. The Eagles will look to continue to play aggressively when they face Penn State-Altoona at home on Winton Hill Wed. Sept. 23 at 4PM.