THE JUNGLE | MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Men's Soccer team worked the first draw of the 2024 season on Saturday night, Sept. 7, tying with Xavier University of New Orleans (La.) 2-2 at the Jungle. Mobile and Xavier battled throughout the full 90 minutes, with the Rams losing the lead on two occasions. The draw for the Gold Rush against No. 8 Mobile could earn Xavier votes in the upcoming NAIA Men's Soccer Top 25.
Over the last three matches Mobile has played, the Rams are 1-1-1, while seeing the overall record move to 4-1-1 on the season.
Scrappy Match Ends in Draw
Throughout Saturday's first meeting in history between Mobile and Xavier, 31 total fouls were called and 10 yellow cards were issued between the two non-conference foes. Over 30 minutes ticked off the clock before the match's first score as Mobile's Joseph McMahon opened the scoring with his team-high fourth goal of the year. McMahon's header goal in the 32nd minute came following a perfect pass from Joaquin Rivera, who was credited with the assist. From there, the Rams went to the half with a 1-0 lead, out-shooting the Gold Rush 7-1 through the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, Xavier made adjustments on the attack and tied the match shortly after halftime. The Gold Rush's first score came in the 53rd minute following a shot that was blocked by the Mobile back line. The ricochet went to the foot of Julio Gruba, who followed it up with the equalizer.
Later on in the second half, Mobile's Samuel Mutiri managed two shots from inside the box, with both shots being blocked by Xavier defenders. Similar to Xavier's first goal of the night, a ricochet went right to the foot of first-year Ram Illyes El Yansil, who followed up with his first goal of the season. Mobile took the lead 2-1 in the 70th minute.
Down 2-1 with 20 minutes left to be played, Xavier's aggression picked up as the Gold Rush began threatening Mobile more frequently near the box. In the 79th minute, a foul call against Mobile from inside the box gave Xavier a costly penalty shot, which eventually went in the net and tied the match, 2-2. Both teams recorded several more shots following the equalizer, but the match eventually went final without a go-ahead goal.
Mobile out-shot Xavier 17-11 in the draw, with both teams recording five shots-on-goal. Joseph McMahon paced all players with four shots taken in the match, followed by Louis Dolcini with three. Starting goalkeeper for the Rams Ty Turner picked up three saves in the tying effort.
What's Ahead
Mobile is set for another non-conference matchup at home next weekend, coming against Florida National University on Saturday morning, Sept. 14. Next Saturday's match is set for 10:00 a.m. CT and will be aired live on the University of Mobile Sports Network.
FOLLOW THE RAMS
For complete coverage of University of Mobile Athletics, follow the Rams on social media at /MobileRams (Facebook), @UMobileRams ("X" FKA Twitter), and @umobilerams (Instagram), or visit the official home of the University of Mobile Athletic Department at https://umobilerams.com/.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
