SHREVEPORT, La. – Nathan Bruinsma's goal in the 69th minute erased a one-goal deficit as Western Illinois played Centenary to a 1-1 draw in Summit League action on Saturday, Oct. 2.
The Fighting Leathernecks (2-5-3, 0-1-1 Summit) fell behind just before halftime when Centenary's Marcos Rodriguez netted his first goal of the season at the 44:08 mark.
Western would rally when Bruinsma gathered a corner kick from Husref Jupic and knocked in the equalizer at the 68:10 mark to tie the match at a goal apiece.
Neither team was able to find the go ahead goal in the remaining 20 minutes of regulation. Centenary had a chance to win in the first overtime period, but Leatherneck goalkeeper Andy Ryan made a save at the 90:47 mark to keep the match tied.
Western Illinois took the only shot of the second overtime, but Kooten Johnson missed high with just 14 seconds remaining. The Leathernecks remained unbeaten in the series against the Gents and now hold a 10-0-1 record against Centenary.
Western was outshot by a 15 to 13 margin, including eight to seven in shots on goal. Centenary was awarded six corner kicks to the Leathernecks four but committed 24 fouls to Western's 16.
Adam Rappin led all Western Illinois players with two shots on goal while ten other Leathernecks recorded a shot. Ryan (2-5-3) picked up the decision, making seven saves in the contest.
The Leathernecks will return to action in a non-league matchup at Valparaiso on Wednesday at 7 p.m. before playing host to IPFW in league action next weekend.
