MEN'S SOCCER DRAWS 2-2 IN FRIENDLY AT MARSHALL

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - With the stats not officially counting toward their career totals, three Highlanders tallied their first points in a Radford uniform Saturday as RU and Marshall battled to a 2-2 draw in an exhibition match at Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex. Mauricio Rancel and Kieran Roberts each scored on an assist from Krzysztof Nalborski within a three-minute span late in the first half to lead the Radford offense.

After Marshall broke on top with a goal in the 33rd minute, Radford answered with the equalizer just four minutes later when Rancel took a beautiful endline pass from Nalborski and beat the Thundering Herd keeper. Roberts gave the Highlanders a 2-1 lead in the 40th minute on a corner kick serve from Nalborski. The Herd completed the scoring for the night in the 41st mintue converting a penalty kick to tie the game at two.

"This was a top time to have a closely contended game," Radford head coach Marc Reeves said. "It gave our group a good chance to know what a competitive collegiate game is like."

Nicolas Metzokat started in goal for the Highlanders and played the first 45 minutes recording three saves. Aitor Pouseu Blanco and Stockton Blanchard combined to blank Marshall in the second half facing four shots, but none on frame from the Herd.

"It was great to score a couple goals, and we defended pretty well," Reeves said. "We still have a lot to work on in preparation for our season opener at Clemson in less than a week. It will be important for our guys to stay emotionally strong in the next week with the ups and downs of heading into the opening weekend."

The Highlanders will take the final competitive step in preparation for the opener on Tuesday night when they play host to Charleston (W.Va.) in the only home exhibition game on the schedule. First kick at Cupp Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m.

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