BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings men's soccer team battled to a physical 2-2 draw against Seattle Pacific University in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
In a match pack full of physicality and drama, there would be nothing to separate the Yellowjackets (5-4-6, 4-2-3 GNAC) and Falcons (6-5-4, 3-3-3 GNAC) at the final whistle, with MSUB claiming it's sixth draw of the season, and third in conference play. The Yellowjackets would overcome an early first half goal, scoring a pair of opportunities in the second half before a late Seattle Pacific goal off a corner kick would lock in the draw for both teams.
 
After trading opportunities to begin the first half, the Falcons would strike first in the 20^th minute, with conference scoring leader Raymundo Mendez converting the games opening goal to give the visitors an early advantage. That lead would be threatened just minutes later on an excellent look from So Nagano, whose chance would strike off the crossbar to deny the Yellowjackets a quick equalizer. The Falcons would then own the middle stages off the half, controlling the flow of play and forcing a pair of impressive saves from MSUB goalkeeper Fred Reiter, who helped keep the 'Jackets in the match. MSUB would steal back momentum as the half wound to a close however, putting three promising looks on goal in the final 12 minutes of play as the offense began to find its rhythm. But all three efforts were saved by the Falcons, who would take their 1-0 lead into halftime.
 
Chances for both team's would be more difficult to come by in the second half, where each team attempted four shots. MSUB went 10 minutes until it was able to attempt it's first shot of the half, while preventing the Falcons from having a look until the 63^rd minute. But The 'Jackets would be clinical in the final 45 minutes, putting three of their shots on target, and being rewarded with a pair of goals. Junior midfielder Bjarne Fedkenhauer would even the game once more in the 72^nd minute, putting a curling free kick effort in from just outside the box that froze the keeper, and give the German his fifth goal of the season. Then in the 84^th minute, freshman Matteo Bosch would find space in the box, and deliver a perfect pass to Sam Kemmer, who one-touched it home to give the Yellowjackets a late lead. That goal kicked off a chaotic stretch that included a pair of Seattle Pacific red cards, assigned to a coach and a player, but sandwiched in between offenses was a Falcon goal, scored off a corner by Carter Gay to even the game once more. Neither team would find another chance to try and take the lead back, with the teams splitting the points in their first meeting of the season.
 
Fedkenhauer put both of his shots on goal, as did Bosch, whose assist was the first of his career. Kolja Thomas attempted a pair of shots as well, putting one on goal, while Kemmer's goal was scored from his lone shot. Nagano and George Jones each attempted one shot. Reiter racked up a total of six saves in the game, including five in the first half, to tie his career best for saves in a match.
 
THE BUZZ: Fedkenhauer was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… he and Kemmer remain tied for second on the team in goals this season with five… Fedkenhauer's 11 points (five goals, one assist) rank second most for the Yellowjackets this year.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets play their final home match of the season this Saturday, November 9, when they rematch against Western Washington University. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM at Yellowjacket Field, with a ceremony to honor MSUB's seniors set to commence prior to kickoff. Live video will be available here, while live statistics are available here, and tickets are available for purchase online here.