PAINESVILLE, Ohio — The Lake Erie College men's soccer team battled Roosevelt University to a 1-1 draw at home on Saturday, Sept. 5. The Storm controlled much of the match and held a significant advantage in shots and corner kicks, but a second-half penalty allowed the Lakers to earn the draw.
Lake Erie created the first seven shots of the afternoon and consistently tested the Roosevelt goalkeeper. Alex Banjac, William Hjelte, Veljko Radovanovic, and Piet Mertens each placed attempts on target during the opening half. Roosevelt nearly broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Angelo Piech struck the crossbar. The Storm responded just over a minute later as Banjac found the back of the net at the 38:10 mark to give Lake Erie a 1-0 advantage. Lake Erie carried the lead into halftime after outshooting the Lakers 12-2 and earning all three of the period's corner kicks.
The Storm continued to generate opportunities after the break. Lucas Howe, Luka Bekovic, Hjelte, and Radovanovic each recorded attempts during the opening 17 minutes of the second half, but Lake Erie could not extend its lead.
Roosevelt pulled even in the 71st minute when Fynn Mewes converted a penalty kick. The Storm continued pushing for the game-winner, with Benjamin Lerida placing a shot on goal in the 74th minute, but Strupler made the save.
Lake Erie finished with a 19-7 advantage in total shots, including an 8-3 edge in shots on goal. The Storm also earned all seven corner kicks in the match. Banjac and Radovanovic led Lake Erie with three shots apiece, while Banjac recorded his team-leading second goal of the season. Mertens placed both of his attempts on target.
David Ruiz Ospina played all 90 minutes in goal for the Storm and recorded two saves. Strupler finished with seven saves for Roosevelt.
The draw moves Lake Erie to 1-2-1 on the season, while Roosevelt remains unbeaten at 2-0-2. The Storm will open G-MAC play on Thursday, Sept. 10, when they travel to Owensboro, Kentucky, to face Kentucky Wesleyan at 7:30 p.m.
