TAHLEQUAH --
Kei Nagakura scored his first goal with Northeastern State, while an equalizing score from Eastern New Mexico forced the first meeting between the teams in almost 13 years into a 1-1 draw Saturday.
Nagakura's score occurred in the 8th minute. The immediate attack didn't prove to be an isolated try, as the RiverHawks (0-2-2) went on to attempt 11 shots in the first half alone. This was in comparison to a mere three tries from the visitors, yet one of ENMU's two on-goal shots in the opening stanza proved to be successful, as the Greyhounds (1-1-2) tied the matchup in the 29th minute.
ENMU was held to the same number of shots and shots on-goal in the second half, while the RiverHawks added six more attempts to their total in the closing 45 minutes, bringing their output for the match to a season-high 17 shots and six shots on-goal. However, both offenses were stuffed at the net, with both goalkeepers each making a pair of saves to keep the score intact.
Nagakura tied with
Carl Murch for the team lead in attempts (four), while Murch and
Miguel Carrasquinho were on target on two occasions. Goalkeeper
Gonzalo Castells finished with three saves in the tie.
Northeastern State travels next week to battle against St. Edwards (Sep. 19) and Dallas Baptist (Sep. 21).
