ST. GEORGE, Utah – Niklas Schregel scored his first goal of the season to give the Montana State University Billings men's soccer team a 1-0 lead in the first half, but Cal State University San Marcos equalized with a penalty kick in the second as the two teams played to a 1-1, double-overtime draw Friday evening in their 2015 season opener at Hansen Stadium on the campus of Dixie State University.
 
The Yellowjackets (0-0-1) placed two of their six shots in the game on target, while the Cougars placed four of their nine on frame. MSUB goalkeeper Tom Lohmann came up with three big saves, including one in the final minute of overtime to prevent CSUSM from taking the lead.
 
"I cannot stress how proud I am of our program as a whole tonight," said MSUB head coach Alex Balog. "One of the keys for us before the game was to be focused and leave everything on the field. There is no doubt in my mind we did that. Our guys played like men today."
 
Each team won a pair of corner kicks, and the 'Jackets did well to draw the Cougars offside seven times while not being whistled for offside once on the offensive.
 
With 27 minutes gone in the first frame, Schregel intercepted a clear attempt by the Cougars' back line and made them pay. The sophomore tucked away MSUB's first goal of the season into the left corner from 15 yards out, and the 'Jackets took a 1-0 lead.
 
Sam Butterworth got his first shot of the day off just before halftime, forcing CSUSM keeper Landon Sherwood to make a save in the 43rd minute.
 
Ricardo Palomino had the first look towards goal of the second half, but his shot in the 54th minute carried wide of the post.
 
Lohmann came up with his second save of the game in the 63rd minute, as he prevented a strike by Louie Farfan from evening the score.
 
Creating an opportunity inside the 18-yard box in the 69th minute, CSUSM earned a penalty kick after a foul by the Yellowjackets. Farfan slotted home the equalizing goal from 12 yards away, and the score moved to 1-1.
 
With less than 10 minutes to play in regulation, Rhys Lambert uncorked his first shot of the match, missing wide right on his attempt to push MSUB ahead.
 
The Yellowjackets won corner kicks in each of the two overtime periods, but could not capitalize on either opportunity. With just 15 seconds before the final whistle, David Loeung managed a shot but his effort was blocked by the Cougars' defense and the game ended in a deadlock.
 
Farfan led all players with three shots on the game for CSUSM (0-0-1), and his penalty kick goal was his first of the season in his debut performance.
 
"In the face of adversity we stayed very disciplined tactically, even with a man down," Balog said. "The players executed the game plan to near perfection. We can go into the MSUD game with a lot of confidence."
 
THE BUZZ: This marks the second straight season MSUB's opening game has ended in a double-overtime draw…the Yellowjackets played with 10 men from the 60th minute on, after a red card was issued…Lohmann was picked as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for making three big saves and ensuring the draw for MSUB despite being a player short.
 
UP NEXT: The 'Jackets remain in St. George and will challenge Metro State University in another neutral site match scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Sunday evening. Live statistics will be available via www.msubsports.com.