HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Sophomore Sam Edwards scored twice for the Highlanders, the second coming with just over two minutes remaining, to help Houghton men's soccer earn a 2-2 tie with Utica on Saturday at Burke Field.

Edwards got the Highlanders on the board early with his second goal of the season in the fourth minute. Houghton would keep that one-goal advantage for the bulk of the first half, but the Pioneers finally broke through in the 45th minute to make it 1-1 at the half. The visitors got the go-ahead tally in the 57th minute and looked to be on their way to a 2-1 victory. However, the Highlanders were rewarded with a strong push in the attacking third as the second half clocked approached full time. Edwards ran on to a long pass from James Fay, beat the challenging keeper to the ball and poked it into the net for the equalizer.

John Fay led the Highlanders with three shots. Edwards scored on both of his shots on goal. He now leads the team with three goals on the campaign.

Pedro Ruz Welker started and made one save and allowed one goal in 45 minutes. Joshua Smith played the second half, allowing one goal and making one stop.

This is the third-straight tie between the Highlanders and Pioneers. Houghton is 5-0-5 vs. Utica over the last 10 matchups and is 7-1-7 over the last 15.

COACH'S CORNER
"Despite a solid possessional effort to start the second half, Utica quickly tallied against the run of play and our Highlanders trailed for the first time in the match. I was pleased with our steely resolve through most of the second half and ultimately the game rewarded us with a late goal. Sam Edwards was our man of the match. He transcended ordinary effort and tallied in the final five minutes to record a brace and earn a draw for the Highlanders." -- Head Coach Scott Reitnour.

Houghton returns to action when they host Fredonia on Tuesday, September 23 at 7 p.m.