LIVINGSTON, Ala. –The Lee University men's soccer team battled the University of West Alabama to a hard fought 1-1 draw on Friday evening to open Gulf South Conference play. It was the first draw of the season for the Flames who improved their record to 3-1-1 on the season. In a game that had more fouls than shots, Marcos Garcia recorded the only goal for the Flames in the tie.
 
Neither team was really able to get any momentum in the first half. The first shot of the game didn't come until the 13^thminute. UWA tried to head one towards the frame, but the Flames goalkeeper Robert Bailey rose to the occasion and punched it away. 
 
Lee held a lot of possession but couldn't convert anything. Eamon McLaughlin had the first great opportunity in the 20^thminute but his shot from 20 yards out was just wide left of the goal. A few minutes later Ryan Chouyouti had a great opportunity to tie but his attempt went just right as well. Moments later Chouyouti almost hit pay dirt again but his header was just punched over the cross bar by the Tiger goalkeeper.
 
The Flames broke the deadlock in the 60^th minute of the game. Fabian Navarro's sent a cross perfectly into the box and Garcia headed it home to give the Flames the lead 1-0. It was the second goal of the season for Garcia and the fourth assist for Navarro.
 
The lead didn't last long as UWA tied the game in the 68^th minute when Potien Lembo took a pass from David Nunez and slotted it into the back right corner. After that neither team managed to get another great attempt on goal.
 
Five yellow cards were issued in the contest with UWA receiving three and Lee earning two. There were 10 combined shots and 18 combined fouls in the contest.
 
Lee will return to action on Sunday. September 17 as they will continue the  GSC roadtrip as they will take on the University of Alabama in Huntsville at 4:30 PM EST in Huntsville, Ala.
 
 Coach Derek Potteiger's Thoughts:

"There are often mixed emotions after a game, but after tonight it's hard to find a balance as I am really proud of the teams fight and the execution of what was needed tonight; but I'm really upset for them that we didn't get the win. I thought we deserved it tonight. We will take a point playing away at West Alabama - not many teams will come here and get points - but again I think the guys deserved 3 points. 

"That is two games in a row we have left points slip thru our fingers and you can't do that if you want to accomplish anything special. Great teams figure out how to close out games and so we will get better from this and try not to let it happen again. 

As usual with GSC weekends there is no rest for the weary as we have to turn around and get ready for Sunday at UAH."