Men's Soccer Draws With No. 17 Bellevue

McPHERSON, Kan. (macbulldogs.com) --- The McPherson College men's soccer team saw a two-goal lead disappear Sunday as Bellevue University came back to force a 2-2, double overtime draw during the final match of the Red Card Cancer Classic at McPherson Stadium.

The Bulldogs (3-0-1) struck twice in the first half on goals in the 27th minute by David Mwinga (Santa Rosa, Calif.) and the 37th minute by Trent Keller (Salina, Kan.). Mwinga's tally came off an assist from Tyler Minney (Stewkley, England), while Keller's came off a cross of a free kick by Nick Torres (McPherson, Kan.). Mwinga scored three goals in the last two games and now sits behind Torres, who leads the team in both goals (four) and points (10).

Bellevue (2-4-2) responded late in the first half as Rob Smith took a long service from Amador Rangel in the 45th minute and beat McPherson starting keeper Arthur Lamparter (Schweinfurt, Germany) to the ball to make it 2-1 at halftime.

The contest turned physical in the second half as four players were booked with cautions. The Bruins were able to net the equalizer in the 79th minute after a foul was called on the Bulldogs just outside the 18-yard box. Scott Robson placed the ensuing direct free kick inside the right post past McPherson reserve keeper Aaron Parrott (Wichita, Kan.) to knot the score. Parrott had earlier made a kick save on a shot by Travis Hurd that - for the moment - allowed the Bulldogs to hold on to the lead.

After a scoreless first overtime, McPherson had an opportunity with the man advantage midway through the second overtime. Robson - who had been booked with a caution late in the first half - received his second in the 107th minute and was sent off for the remainder of the match. The Bulldogs were unable to capitalize with the extra man, however, and were forced to settle for the draw.

The teams combined for 32 shots, including 15 on goal. Mwinga finished with five of McPherson's 15 shots overall, including four of the eight placed on goal. Smith and Daniel Coupland each had five shots to lead Bellevue.

Bruins keeper Ben Martin made six saves in 110 minutes. Lamparter was credited with a pair of saves in the first half for the Bulldogs, while Parrott made three in the second half and two overtimes.

"We certainly played well enough to win that game," said head coach Doug Quint. "That was a result that we let get away!"

McPherson begins a four-match road swing Wednesday against Manhattan Christian College. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Manhattan.