THE RUNDOWN
Riding the momentum of a three-game win streak, the DBU Men's Soccer team battled to a gritty 1-1 draw against Northeastern State on Saturday night at DeLoache Field in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Despite outshooting the Riverhawks 12-7, the Patriots could not break through for a decisive goal and settled for their first tie of the season.

DBU's breakthrough came in dramatic fashion just before halftime. With only three seconds remaining in the first half, sophomore forward Thomas Hayes netted his first career goal off an assist from his brother, Nathan — marking the first time in program history that a pair of brothers combined on a scoring play. The strike capped a dominant opening 45 minutes in which the Patriots controlled the pace and held a 6-1 shot advantage.

Northeastern State responded immediately after the break. Just 39 seconds into the second half, Carter Adams slipped in the equalizer to swing momentum back to the Riverhawks. From there, both sides traded chances, but the defenses held firm. DBU's best opportunity came in the 83rd minute when Caden Berg fired a low shot toward the right corner, only to be denied by NSU goalkeeper Cameron McCullough.
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• DBU's 3-1-1 start is still their best start through their first five matches since the Patriots posted an identical record in 2016.
• The Patriots and Riverhawks each took six shots over the final 45 minutes.
• DBU has only conceded three goals through their first five matches.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
51 - Senior midfielder Leo Larson recorded his 51st career start, ranking sixth all-time in program history.
6 - DBU dominated set-piece opportunities, outpacing NSU in corner kicks by a 6-1 margin.
90 - The defensive backbone of Jack Golden and Evan Lupo, along with goalkeeper Patrick Banich, played the full 90 minutes.
 
UP NEXT
The Patriots continue their road swing on Wednesday with a matchup against Seattle Pacific. Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m. (CST).

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