Johnson City, TN – The North Greenville University JV soccer team kicked off the 2012 season with a 1-1 draw against Milligan College on Wednesday night.
The two teams were even through much of the first half until the Buffaloes scored their only goal in the 43rd minute of action to take a 1-0 lead into the half.
The Crusaders evened the score in the 68th minute when senior James Lobbestael scored his first goal of the season on an assist from fellow senior Thomas McGill. McGill played a ball to the feet of Lobbestael who took a touch then place the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards out to tie the game.
Milligan and North Greenville each took nine shots on goal and Crusader goalkeeper Andrew Duncan recorded two saves in his first career start.
“Our offense and defense played pretty well for the most part with only a few mistakes here and there,” said head coach Kyle Walden. “I was pleased with how the guys competed in our first contest of the season and I look forward to seeing us improve in the next game.”
The Crusaders will continue their three-game road trip with a contest in Cleveland, Ga. on Aug. 29 to take on Truett McConnell College.