Warriors Earn Draw in Road Trip Finale at Vanguard

COSTA MESA, Calif. – Midland University finished up its road trip in California as they faced Vanguard University on a Monday afternoon. It was a competitive match between the two teams on the turf at the VU Soccer Complex, ending in a 1-1 draw.

Both offenses were held in check in the first 45 minutes. Vanguard held a slight edge in shot attempts, 3-2 and 1-1 on the frame for the first half, as both teams remained scoreless heading into halftime.

After the break, Vanguard broke the scoreless contest with a goal via a penalty kick in the 55th minute to leave the Warriors trailing 1-0. The Lions would hold onto the lead for just over 13 minutes when the Warriors were able to get on the scoreboard.

Midland's equalizing goal came off the foot of Aminata Lewis in the 68th minute. Both teams had attempts to take the lead over the final 20-plus minutes but it ultimately ended in a draw. The teams showed their competitiveness with a tie in shot attempts 11-11, with Vanguard taking a slight edge on attempts on target, 5-2.

Hannah Tillison played the full 90 minutes in goal, picking up six saves on the day.

"Today, we saw our true team," commented head coach Cody Bartlow. "I am incredibly proud of the girls for the fight; definitely believe that was definitely our game to win. It just didn't quite go our way, but we're heading home with a renewed focus, a sense of who we are, and truly understanding that we are a great team."

Midland (2-2-1) will be back in action on Saturday, September 9 when they take on MidAmerica Nazarene (2-1). The matchup is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. at Pioneer Field in Olathe, Kansas.