Mustangs Take a Point From Benedictine

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy and Benedictine played to a 1-1 draw Saturday afternoon at Hadzic Field, with both sides netting in the opening 20 minutes before defensive adjustments dictated the remainder of play.

Benedictine struck first in the 6th minute when Angulo Andrewss converted inside the box off a feed from Nima Samadian. The Mustangs responded quickly. In the 18th minute, defender Erik Richier delivered the equalizer, finishing a setup from midfielder Tomas Parra Reyna to bring the score level at 1-1.

The Mustangs controlled much of the run of play after the early exchanges, generating nine corner kicks compared to two for the Ravens. Leon Pozo and Pedro Binnios each created chances in the first half, with Pozo's header sailing high and Binnios forcing a save from goalkeeper Hernan Burdiles.

Mount Mercy's back line, anchored by Richier and Alessandro Redolfi, limited Benedictine's attacking opportunities after halftime. Goalkeeper Zach Biggs recorded three saves, including key stops on efforts from Juanes Hernandez and Diego Dinneny, to preserve the result.

The Mustangs rotated heavily in the second half, with substitutions providing fresh legs in midfield and attack. Naoya Iwamoto forced Burdiles into another save in the 65th minute, while Pablo Lopez added a late shot on target. Despite sustained pressure in the attacking third, Mount Mercy was unable to find the decisive goal.

The Mustangs return to the pitch in Missouri, taking on Missouri Baptist on Saturday.