DALLAS — The men's soccer team began its 2017 season with a 2-2 draw against Incarnate Word on Friday at Westcott Field.
"There were a lot of positive things that went on in the game," said head coach John Smith. "Obviously there are some things we need to work on, but I'm really happy with what I saw on the field. To go into Texas and play in the heat against a team that is from Texas, it was tough but it was a good battle with a lot of quality moments from our team."
It was a back and forth battle between the two squads as they exchanged goals through regulation before going scoreless through two periods of overtime.
The Cardinals (1-1-1) got on the board first after Griffin Mallas headed the ball into the net in the 15th minute, but Cornell (0-0-1) responded in the 34th minute when Walter Prince gained control of a free ball and brought it up himself to equalize the score.
"Walter had such a quality goal in the first half," Smith said. "He received the ball and sent it beautifully into the upper right-hand corner of the net."
UIW would not go away, however, as Thomas Bibby would put the Cardinals back on top just three minutes later to send the game into halftime, 2-1.
It was ultimately George Pedlow who would secure the tie for the Big Red, striking late in the 83rd minute to level things up once again. Charles Touche earned credit on the assist after crossing the ball inside the box. It was all Pedlow after that as the sophomore finished from the far side of the box from about 12 yards out.
Overall, Cornell's offensive productivity skyrocketed in the second half, recording 11 of their 17 total shots.
"It was a tale of two halves for us," Smith said. At halftime we really tried to settle down and that was the difference maker. In the second period we really saw some great chances that didn't make it to the back of the net but it's still encouraging to see."
Eric Nuss led the team in shots with three while Kepler Despinos, Walter Prince and Tyler Bagley each recorded two.
Cornell ultimately outshot Incarnate Word, 17-9, and also held the advantage in corner kicks, 5-2.
Getting the start in the net for the Big Red was Ryan Shellow who collected one save on the evening.
Cornell will next see action at home at 7 p.m. on Friday against Lehigh.
