MEMPHIS - After spending the last two weekends on the road, the Rhodes College men's soccer team returned home on Saturday afternoon as they welcomed in the top team in the Southern Athletic Association, the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels. Both teams got a goal in the first half and the Lynx proceeded to play a terrific match, getting a 1-1 draw against the Petrels.

For Rhodes, it is their third draw of the season in conference, moving to 1-1-3 in SAA play and 5-4-4 overall. Oglethorpe came into the match at 4-0 in conference and earn their second draw overall on the season.

The Stormy Petrels got on the board first as Nick Muntean put Oglethorpe ahead 1-0 after scoring on a corner from Topher Marshall. Oglethorpe came out sharp and controlled much of the possession throughout the early portions of the first half.

The Lynx would respond though, going head-to-head with the Petrels as they looked to find an equalizer.

With less than 10 minutes in the half, Rhodes began moving the ball extremely well in Oglethorpe territory. Sophomore Matt McKeand played a ball to junior Evan Wladis, who played a perfect give-and-go with freshman Davis Neitzschman, and finished with a beautiful shot in the top right corner to tie the game in the 39th minute.

Rhodes would play an excellent half of soccer throughout the second half, matching the Stormy Petrels step-for-step as they two teams were even in shots at eight a piece as well as even in corner kicks at two. The defensive effort of seniors Will Porter and Paul Burdette and freshmen George Winfrey and Joel Sabio were excellent all game long. 

Both teams would have ample opportunities to push ahead in the second half but goalkeeper Riley Sheen was excellent throughout the rest of the match after giving up the early goal. 

As the match moved into overtime, the Stormy Petrels turned on the pressure, outshooting Rhodes, 6-0, in both overtime periods, but to avail as the match would conclude in a draw.

For Wladis, it was his fourth goal of the season while Neitzschman notched his second assist of the year. Wladis led the way with four shots in the contest while McKeand added three. Sheen would finish with eight saves in the contest in a terrific effort.

Rhodes will return to the pitch on Sunday afternoon as they will welcome in the Berry College Vikings. The two teams are scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m.