SHREVEPORT, La. – Mississippi University for Women men's soccer had its potential first win of 2023 slip away in the waning minutes of a 2-2 draw versus Sul Ross State University, in a match played at Centenary College. The tie left the Owls at 0-3-1, while the Lobos are now 1-1-1. 
 
The W was out-shot by SRSU 23-13 overall and was doubled up for shots-on-goal, 10-5.
 
However, that disparity was negated by Owls' senior goalkeeper David McCutchen. McCutchen had eight saves on the afternoon, compared to three by his Lobos' counterpart.
 
With just 5:08 elapsed, SRSU tallied first to go ahead, 1-0, on MUW. But just of 90 seconds later, The W' knotted the contest.
 
Isaiah Vargas took control of a ball on MUW's defensive half. Vargas then sent a pass across and upfield to Cristian Canas breaking toward the goal. Canas controlled the ball and took a few steps. When Lobos' netminder Jesus Grajeda stepped out to intercept Canas, the MUW freshman from Houston, Texas hoisted a shot from 30-yards on the right that nestled inside the far post or the unprotected net to make it 1-1.
 
That score stood for the balance of the first half.
 
In the 64^th minute, the Owls mounted the go-ahead attack. Senior Kai VanCourt delivered a pass to Vargas to the right of goal. Vargas quickly sent the ball across to all-American teammate Tres Ray to left of frame, who headed it in to put The W on top, 2-1.
 
McCutchen and the Owls' defense did a nice job keeping the Lobos at bay the majority of the second half. However, a breakdown with just 1:54 left in regulation permitted Sul Ross to score the equalizer and avoid the loss.
 
The W will look for win No. 1 at home on Wednesday (Sept. 13) at 7 p.m. at Columbus' Roger Short Soccer Complex.