DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University Men's Soccer team began their season at home on Friday night as they hosted West Texas A&M University. The Rangers would fall behind 0-2 in the first half, but battle back for a 2-2 draw in the second.

Both teams now sit at 0-0-1 to start the year.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Buffalos came out aggressive, with four shots in the first 16 minutes, including one on goal that was saved by senior GK Greg Squire. At 20:45, Sol Bercu would find Gabriel Nevarez for a goal to get WTEX on the board and after Jacobo Betancourt-Tovar recorded the first shot for Regis, and Liam Corr had the Rangers first shot on goal, Matteo Landis brought the game to 2-0 on an unassisted goal.

"We came out a little flat on the start," said Head Coach Taylor Diem. "Being the first game, we definitely had some jitters and allowed a couple of soft goals in the first."

"The talk at halftime was all about having a little more quality on the ball and a it more grit on defense."

And the Rangers would do just that, as they recorded four quick shots before Matthew Bared set up Richard Blaise for the goal to get RU on the board. Less than six minutes later, at 65:07, Elias Taubo evened the match on a goal assisted by Betancourt-Tavor. The Rangers would continue to outshoot the Buffalos 10-2 in the second half, but neither team would be able to net, and the match would end in a 2-2 tie.

"Really really proud of the guys response in the second half," continued Diem. "The guys came out and executed really well. To be down 2-0 at half and battle back to steal a point, I'm incredibly proud of the response."

Game Notes:

·        Blaise led all players with three shots, including matching a match-high of two on goal in his collegiate debut

·        Betancourt-Tavor recorded his first career point

Up Next

·        The Rangers return to action on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 PM as they host Midwestern State University (Texas).