Two overtime periods were not enough to separate two conference rivals on a rainy Sunday in New York, as the Washington University men’s soccer team played to a draw with New York University. Both teams came in hungry for a win after suffering defeats in the previous games.

Wash. U. got off to the better start, finding space and creating chances, but it was NYU who struck first, as midfielder Maxi Rodriguez snuck a goal past senior Colin McCune in the 17th minute of play. Wash. U.’s equalizer would not come until late in the half, as junior Ryan Sproule—the Bears’ star striker who had fallen on a rough patch—returned to the score sheet and converted from a corner delivered by junior Marco Pinheiro.

Skyler Kessler | Student Life

Junior Marc VandenBerg shoots the ball against UW-Whitewater Oct. 22. The Bears played to a double overtime draw against NYU this weekend and currently have a UAA record of 1-4-1.

After finding the net five times in the early season, Sproule went over a month without a goal, before finally scoring in Friday night’s 2-1 loss at Brandeis University. The Bears will hope that with two goals this weekend, the junior striker has rediscovered his early season form.

The Red and Green started to pile on the pressure in the second half, outshooting the Bobcats 12-4 during the period. The pressure finally broke the NYU defense in the 63rd minute, when Wash. U. drew a penalty, which senior Chris Rieger took and converted, giving the Bears a 2-1 lead.

Wash. U. would continue to press NYU backline, looking to secure the team’s first win since Oct. 13th. The Bears, however, were unable to hold onto the lead; and in the 78th minute, the ball fell once again to Maxi Rodriguez, and he took control and scored to make it level once again.

Overtime was significantly quieter than the first two halves. Both teams failed to record a shot in the extra period, and play fizzled out. Regaining composure, Wash. U. started to press a bit harder, nearly scoring on a couple of chances. The shining moment almost came when freshman Sean Connors had a clear cut chance to score, but the NYU goalkeeper held and ensured the game remained a draw.

The Red and Green have struggled in their UAA schedule—posting a 1-4-1 record in the conference—but this draw could be a boost of confidence they need to match up with no. 15 Chicago next week. Despite not taking home a win, Wash. U. at least survived two extra periods for the first time this season, having lost three conference games in double overtime before the NYU game.

The Bears will hope that Sproule’s two goal weekend is a sign of things to come, as they will need his scoring touch against the Maroons. Currently ranked fifth in the NCAA central region and the seventh in the UAA, Wash. U. will need to muster a huge statement win in their last game of the season, if they have any hope of making the postseason.