Baltimore -- Loyola University Maryland fought back from a early deficit to earn a 2-2 draw with American University on Wednesday night at Ridley Athletic Complex.
The Greyhounds (1-2-8, 1-1-1 Patriot League) controlled much of the match, holding a 15-14 advantage in shots and a 6-5 edge in corner kicks. Loyola also had 62% possession and put six shots on target.
American struck first in the ninth minute when Piper Garcia finished a pass from Bella Miller to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. Loyola answered late in the opening half, with Leah Carter scoring her second goal of the season in the 43rd minute. Megan Wijdoogen and Reagan Mallia assisted on the equalizer, sending the teams into halftime tied 1-1.
The Greyhounds carried that momentum into the second half. Rylie Van Wingerden put Loyola ahead in the 59th minute, scoring her first career goal off an assist from Mallia. The goal capped a strong stretch for the Greyhounds, who continued to pressure the American defense.
American responded in the 76th minute when Natalia Croce headed home a pass from Jayden Fisher off of a corner kick to make it 2-2. Loyola continued to push for a winner during the final 15 minutes, with Katie Ormerod forcing two saves from American goalkeeper Riley Molbury and Savannah Manset having a late attempt blocked.
Brigid Mulholland made three saves for Loyola, including two in the second half, to help preserve the draw. Molbury finished with four saves for American.
Loyola's 15 shots were led by Manset, who finished with five, while Ormerod added four. Carter and Van Wingerden provided the Greyhounds' goals, and Mallia contributed two assists.
