RIVER FOREST, Ill. (Sept. 4, 2022) – The third-ranked Loras College women's soccer team got its first road test of the 2022 season on Sunday afternoon as the Duhawks played to a 1-1 draw against Dominican University.

The tie moved Loras to 1-0-1 on the young season, making it the first draw for head coach Matt Pucci's team since the NCAA National Tournament Quarterfinal match last season against the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. It also marks the first draw for Loras under the new NCAA overtime regulations, as overtime periods are no longer played for regular season matches.

Dominican, the reigning Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) champion, also moved its record to 1-0-1 with the draw.

Both offenses left much to be desired in the first half of play as the two sides totaled just four shots apiece in the opening 45 minutes while just two of those, both for Dominican, were on target.

The Stars set the Duhawks up with their first deficit of the season in the 23^rd minute of the contest when a corner kick opportunity led to a little pandemonium in the box. Dominican's initial pass was sent deep into the box before the ball ricocheted around a couple of players and eventually bounced off the far post. That bounce ended up finding the Stars' Grace Larson, who beat the Loras keeper Kyndal Kells low for the first score of the match.

Scoring chances were minimal in the second half as well for both sides, but Loras took advantage of a Dominican mistake in the 60^th minute. A misplay from defender Sarah Matuszek set senior forward Ryleigh O'Brien up with an open shot that she fired off the left post and in for the equalizer.

The Duhawks' best opportunity for a go-ahead score came just a couple minutes later when junior Hannah Schmitz was taken down just outside the top of the box. The ensuring free kick chance from senior Payton McDonnell made it through the Stars' defensive wall but was scooped up goalkeeper Ashley Ishman to preserve the 1-1 tie.

Loras' defense did their part in preserving the tie throughout the second half as well, including an important save from Kells in the 74^th minute that proved to be the best chance at a game-winner the Stars would earn in the second half.

The Duhawks return home to the Rock Bowl this Wednesday, Sept. 7, for a home match with Concordia University Wisconsin at 5 P.M.