SIOUX CENTER, Iowa - William Woods University (1-0-1) finished their game with Dordt University (0-0-1) in a two-goal tie to round out their opening weekend of contests. The Owls were caught a man down after a red card was issued in the 30th minute to a member of Tommy Nienhaus' squad.  

The Owls initiated the scoring for the day when senior Breck McGrail notched the first goal of The Woods' 2024 campaign after a masterful pass from Charlie Williams. The momentum of the day seemed to be on the side of William Woods until a red card was issued to the Owls in the 30th minute of the contest. This red card would leave William Woods down a man for the rest of the match.  

With the Owls down a man, the Defenders from Dordt University were able to even up the scoring at one goal apiece when Phil Appelt snuck one behind the keeper in the 33rd minute of the match.  

The Owls defense was able to hold the Dordt attack at bay until the 84th minute when the Defenders took a 2-1 lead. William Woods would not go down without a fight and continued to persevere, despite being a man down.  

William Woods evened up the score at two when David Fink scored on a combination play from Lubos Polacko and Breck McGrail, just a minute after the Defenders took the lead. This goal would end the scoring for both teams and end the game in a 2-2 tie.  

Coach Nienhaus adds, "I'm proud of the effort we showed today especially considering we were playing a man down. We created enough chance to win, and the group felt disappointed in the tie and considering the circumstances showed an incredible team mentality." The Owls outshot the Defenders 17-11 and forced 8 saves from the Dordt keeper.  

William Woods Men's Soccer looks to finish their 4-game road stretch next weekend when they travel to Indiana to play Grace College and Bethel University.