BANNER ELK, N.C. - The Lander men's soccer team began the 2022 season with a 2-2 tie at Lees-McRae with penalty kicks converted by Max McNulty and Kevin Rubaszewski.

Lander and Lees-McRae both begin the season 0-0-1.

The Bearcats pushed the pace of play, taking a total of 21 shots compared to just four from the Bobcats. Lander also made the Lees-McRae goalkeeper make nine saves on the day.

Simon Reithmeir made two saves on the day and begins the season with a 0-0-1 record.

After a delay due to weather, the Bearcats were the first to score after a foul in the box on McNulty in the 20th minute. McNulty calmly tucked away his strike to put Lander up 1-0.

The Bobcats evened the game in the 38th minute with a penalty kick of their own. The Green and Yellow scored on their lone shot of the second half early in the 63rd minute of play to take a 2-1 edge. 27 seconds later, the Bearcats ran down the field, causing the Bobcats to commit another foul in the box. This time it was Rubaszewski tucking away a PK to even the game 2-2.

Lander continued to search for the go-ahead goal, with a pair of late scoring attempts in the 88th and 89th minutes of play.

The Bearcats return to Banner Elk, N.C., on Saturday to battle No. 14 Chowan for a 1 pm start.

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