RADFORD AND WESTERN ILLINOIS BATTLE TO 2-2 DRAW

Friday, September 12

High Point, N.C.

4:00 PM

Radford University

1-2-1

Western Illinois

1-3-1

Team	1	2	OT 5	OT 6	Final F
Radford	0	2	0	0	2
Western Illinois	1	1	0	0	2

Photo by: Radford Athletics Communications

RADFORD AND WESTERN ILLINOIS BATTLE TO 2-2 DRAW

9/12/2014 9:07:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

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HIGH POINT, N.C. - Radford (1-2-1) twice overcame a goal deficit and fought Western Illinois (1-3-1) to a 2-2 draw Friday in the opening game of the High Point Plaza Classic at Vert Field. Chel Ho Park Kim and Stephen Hudgens each scored their first goals of the season, and Felix Steinhauser, Kieran Roberts, Garland Smith, and Fraser Colmer each tallied assists for the Highlanders, who ran their unbeaten streak to two games.

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After the Leathernecks posted the game's first goal with just 1:55 remaining in the first half, Radford responded with its most productive offensive half of the season. The Highlanders peppered 16 shots in the second half alone with Park Kim finding the net in the 68th minute to tie the game. Roberts took a feed from Steinhauser in front of the goal and left it to his left for a wide open shot that Park Kim buried to tie the game. The assists on the play were the first career points for both Steinhauser and Roberts.

Western Illinois capitalized on a direct kick from 25 yards out to take a 2-1 lead in the 76th minute. The free kick was just one of only two shots on goal for the Leathernecks in the second half as the Highlanders dominated possession and chances throughout the final 65 minutes.

Radford again found a way to even the match. The Highlanders owned a 13-3 advantage in corner opportunities for the game and successfully executed a scoring chance on one in the 79th minute. Colmer's serve to the box found Smith, who headed the ball to Hudgens all alone inside the six to score the equalizer.

Both teams had chances to win the game with the best coming for RU in the final seconds of regulation, but Bismark Amofah's drive went high and the game headed to extra time. RU outshot WIU 2-0 in the extra 20 minutes and had two corners as well, but could not connect on the game-winner.

Radford head coach Marc Reeves said he was disappointed in how his team allowed the game to be played so wide open, but did credit the Highlanders' effort in coming back from a goal down twice. "It's great we battled back on two occassions, but we have to be better defensively all over the field in limiting teams doing what they are good at doing," Reeves said. "Both teams had great chances to score more goals and for sure we must have better decisions and improve in the final third."

Radford will play again Sunday in the classic against Incarnate Word, who fell 2-1 to High Point in the nightcap of day one. The Highlanders and Cardinals will kick at noon at Vert Field.

"It's a quick turnaround for another tough team, and what we do between now and kickoff on Sunday will determine a great deal on how we play," Reeves said.