The Spalding University men's soccer team tied Westminster 2-2 in an exciting SLIAC matchup that saw the Golden Eagles come back from a deficit on two occasions. Westminster took advantage of a mistake by the Spalding backline to take the lead midway through the first half. The Golden Eagles were able to level the game shortly after the start of the second half, only to see Westminster go back on top just a few minutes later. Spalding's Joey Lesher was able to tie the game with less than two minutes remaining in regulation with an incredible hit from right in front of the Spalding bench. Neither team was able to grab a golden goal winner in overtime and the match finished in a 2-2 tie.
 
Spalding goalkeeper Logan Spencer was called into action early in the game when Westminster was able to successfully play over the top on multiple occasions. Spencer was forced to make 3 saves in the game's first five minutes.
 
In the 30^th minute, Westminster forced a turnover in their attacking third and the ensuing action led to the game's first goal. Westminster was able to come up with the ball near the right sideline and Spencer could not corral the cross that followed. The Westminster attack was able to punish the Spalding defense by putting away a sitting ball for an easy finish and a 1-0 lead.
 
Julio De Leon was able to tie the game in the 51^st minute with a quality finish from the penalty spot. De Leon earned the penalty kick with an individual moment of brilliance. He caused his initial defender to fall down by throwing a double step-over before being taken out in the box by a second defender to earn the free attempt from 12 yards out.
 
The jubilation provided by De Leon's goal was short lived, as Westminster was able to regain the lead just one minute later. Westminster was able to get on the end of a long throw-in and put the ball in the back of the net to take a 2-1 lead in the 52^nd minute.
 
It appeared as if the quick response goal scored by Westminster was going to be the game winner until Lesher decided that Spalding was not going to lose this game. In the 88^th minute, Lesher received the ball from a throw-in taken by Sergio Vancini near the Spalding bench. He took one touch to bring the ball down before firing a driven ball towards goal with his left foot that found the side netting of the far post, and leveled the score at 2-2. The unlikely goal that came from an incredible distance and angle allowed for the Golden Eagles to send the game into overtime. Neither team was able to capitalize on any chances in either overtime period and the game finished as a 2-2 draw.
 
The Golden Eagles record on the season now sits at 8-5-1, 2-2-1. The Spalding University men's soccer team will return to action on Monday, October 20 against SLIAC opponent Eureka. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. EST at Champions Trace.