OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha men's soccer team jumped out to a first half lead, and held on for a 2-2 draw against Missouri State in the home finale at Caniglia Field on Wednesday evening.
The Mavericks (8-4-2 overall) were led by seniors Emir Alihodzic and Kevin Correa as the duo each found the back of the net.
The contest remained scoreless through the opening 40 minutes, when senior Jesus Perez found Correa in the penalty area. Perez played a pass through traffic to Correa's feet. Correa held off four Bear defenders and was able to turn and get off a left footed rocket that found the back of the net.
Missouri State looked to tie the game in the 43rd minute, when Jack Griffin was able to get a shot off on goal, but goalkeeper Josh Christensen was there to make the save. UNO held the 1-0 advantage through halftime.
In the second half, Missouri State tied the score at 1-1 in the 52nd minute, when James Thomas' shot deflected past Christensen for a goal. David Stoll was credited with the assist.
The Bears took a 2-1 lead in the 58th minute. Harry Lewis took a shot that was deflected by the Maverick defense. Thomas was able to out jump a UNO defender and head the ball out of the reach of Christensen and into the goal.
Correa had an opportunity for his second score of the evening in the 62nd minute, but MSU was able to block his shot.
Not ready to give up, Omaha catalyst Emir Alihodzic scored his second goal in as many games to keep the Mavericks alive. After a Missouri State player was called for a handball in the box, Alihodzic stepped up and placed the kick into the side netting to even the score in the 74th minute, 2-2.
Alihodzic nearly scored his second straight game winning goal in the 92nd minute, but his shot slid just wide of the frame. Another opportunity by Alihodzic was blocked in the 94th minute.
Missouri State goalkeeper Liam Priestly was able to get a hand on a curling shot from Correa in the 99th minute to prevent a score.
The Mavericks and Bears battled through the second overtime period, but neither team could break the stalemate.
Missouri State held a slight edge in shots, 13-10, and corner kicks, 5-4.
Christensen was credited with five saves in the final home game of his career. Priestly made two saves for the Bears.
Omaha returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 31 against No. 18 Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. (CT) at Yurcak Field. The Mavericks wrap up the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Eastern Illinois.
