BUENA VISTA, Va. - Inching closer to the beginning of league play, the Southern Virginia University men's soccer team hosted a non-conference opponent for the final time this season, ending the night in a 1-1 tie with Randolph-Macon.
In a mostly uneventful first half, the Yellow Jackets controlled the pace of play, keeping the Knights pinned in their defensive end for much of the 45 minutes.
Isaac Northcutt was forced to make three saves during the opening frame in what would become a career night for the senior keeper.
While the first half ended scoreless, the pace of play ramped up in the second. Randolph-Macon continued to produce quality chances, but the Knights were beginning to respond with rushes of their own.
At long last, the Yellow Jackets found the back of the net first on a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. They threatened to extend the lead with scoring chances in the next couple of minutes, but the Knights defense staved them off.
On a free kick of their own, Southern Virginia's Jacob Nielsen lofted a ball into the box from midfield. After deflecting off multiple players, Gavin Young was right on the spot to tap home the tying goal, his first of the season.
The teams were hungry for a go-ahead goal, and each side had a dangerous chance in the final minute to score, but the clock eventually hit zeros to end the contest in a draw.
Along with Young's important tally, Northcutt registered a career high nine saves in the effort, the third most of any Southern Virginia keeper in the last four seasons
Looking Ahead
The Knights will play in their penultimate non-conference bout of the season on Wednesday, September 23rd with a visit to Eastern Mennonite. Southern Virginia is undefeated against the Royals in four consecutive contests. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 PM.
For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightmsoccer on Instagram.
