NAMPA, Idaho – Following a pair of games that were cancelled or postponed due to weather, the Montana State University Billings men's soccer team competed in it's first game in over a week, picking up a 2-2 draw against Northwest Nazarene in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The draw was the second in a row for the Yellowjackets (4-6-3, 1-4-2 GNAC). Following a scoreless tie in their previous match however, this one featured offense from both sides, with a pair of second half goals putting MSUB ahead before a late equalizer by the Nighthawks (4-5-5, 2-2-4 GNAC) ensured the teams would share a point.
 
Things looked promising for both teams in the first half, with both teams attempting five shots. But it would be the Nighthawks who struck first, scoring in the 19^th minute to give the home team a lead early in the first half. The Yellowjackets looked to respond, working hard to find opportunities to even things before the break, but would be unable to find a goal in the opening half of play, going into halftime down 1-0.
 
Things would change quickly though in the second half, with the 'Jackets scoring a pair of goals to take the lead, both of which involved contributions from Ryushiro Morita. The senior would score the equalizer for MSUB in the 59^th minute, taking a pass from Guillermo Gonzalez on the wing, dribbling in, and confusing the Nighthawk's keeper with a curling effort into the bottom right corner, giving the 'Jackets new life in the match. The teams continued to trade attacks, with MSUB attempting 12 shots and NNU nine, but the Yellowjackets would strike again in the 77^th minute. This time, Morita would assist on the goal, dribbling in between multiple defenders and finding his way into the box, where he'd square the ball for midfielder Callum Bryan to put home, giving MSUB the lead. The 'Jackets threatened to score again when they were awarded a penalty kick in the 83^rd minute, but an impressive save from goalkeeper Sawyer Price would keep the Nighthawks in the match. And the hosts would take advantage of the save, going on to score in the 89^th minute to save a point and turn the game into a tie.
 
Morita finished with three shots, one on goal, contributing to both scores. Freshman Sam Kemmer totaled four shots with one on goal, while Bryan put both his attempts on goal. Valdemar Fogt attempted three shots, while Kamden Beck put his lone attempt on goal. Goalkeeper Jeremi Campagnolo made six saves.
 
THE BUZZ: Morita was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… the goal and assist were both the second of his MSUB career.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets play next when they take on Western Oregon next Thursday, November 2 in Monmouth. Kickoff is set for 12 PM PDT (1 PM MDT). Live video will be available here, and live statistics will be available here.