Eagles Come Away With Draw At NCCAA Nationals

Kissimmee, FL - The Eagles opened up their NCCAA National Championship pool play with a late afternoon match against Wayland Baptist on Monday. 

As the #3 seed in the nine team tournament, JU once again opened the first half with solid defense. In a very competitive and physical match, both teams went to the intermission tied at nil-nil. 

The Eagles had the shot advantage in the first half 6-5. 

The second half was more of the same until the 58th minute where Matheus Duarte Torre found the goal to put the Eagles up 1-0. It was Duarte's 4th goal of the season for JU. He was double assisted by Nathaniel Martinez and co-captain Gabriel Uno. Earlier this season, it was Duarte putting in a penalty shot with 8 seconds remaining to win the game against Mount Mercy. 

In a continued physical battle, it was Wayland outshooting Judson 8-5 in the second half, and in the 67th minute, Wayland was able to tie things up on a re-directed ball. 

With a 1-1 tie score, both teams had chances in the final 20 minutes. Uno had two of the six shots on goal for the Eagles. 

In goal, Ivan Dominguez had a nice day. He was credited with four saves on the day. It was just the 16th goal allowed on the season by JU and Dominguez. 

The contest ended in a 1-1 draw giving both teams a point in Pool C. The three pool winners, and one wild-card will comprise the four teams that will advance to the semi-finals on Friday. 

One key note, in the second half, freshmen defender Luca Kallinich was credited with a red card which means that he will have to miss the next match on Wednesday. Kallinich was named the CCAC Freshmen of the Year this season, and is a key cog in the Eagles' defense. 

Judson will take on Division II Roberts Wesleyan University on Wednesday in their second pool play game.