NEW LONDON, Conn. — 

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy men's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with visitors Wheaton College (Mass.) in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action on Tuesday afternoon.

Coast Guard went up early on a James Von Dyl (San Diego) goal in the 19th minute, but Gael Vera kept Wheaton from falling for the first time this season with a header in the 86th. Wheaton entered the contest ranked as the nation's 10th-best team in the most recent United Soccer Coaches (USC) national poll.

The Bears move to 3-0-3 in NEWMAC play and 7-4-5 on the season, while the Lyons move to 5-0-1 in-conference and 12-0-4 overall, with the tie stopping a three-game win streak.  Wheaton will face Babson College (8-5-3, 4-1-1 NEWMAC) on Tuesday, October 28th for their next one.

Coast Guard countered an aggressive opening offensive scheme by the Lyons with an equally-aggressive defensive plan. Wheaton's eagerness to score eventually backfired in the 19th minute when they tried a quick free kick in an attempt to catch the Bears off guard. An always-ready Nick Yorgason (Pleasant View, Utah) took advantage of the weak pass and drove up-field before playing a great ball up field to Von Dyl, who remained onside before firing one past Lyons' goalkeeper Michael O'Gara.

The Bears made key stops on defense and deterred promising Lyons chances for the majority of the game. A 21st minute chance for the visitors saw back-to-back blocks by well-positioned Coast Guard defenders, and Aidan Miles (Tampa, Fla.) made a huge stop on a Wheaton run in the 57th.

The home team's depth was also on display, with multiple players earning starts and increased playing time due to injuries to key contributors. Among those players was freshman Matt Higbie (Colorado Springs, Colo.), who provided solid marking and good clearances on the left wing throughout the day.

With five minutes to go until full time, Wheaton seemed destined for an upset loss until the 86th minute. The Lyons got the ball and set off on their trademark breakneck advancement. Austin Hoadsley received a great pass up field by Jack Morlock and sent a cross towards the middle of the box, where Vera redirected to take the wind out of the Coast Guard faithful's sails. The score held despite chances from both sides.

Wheaton held a 21-7 lead in shots taken by the match's end and an 11-1 lead in shots on goal, with Von Dyl's being the only on-target try for the Bears. Wheaton also dominated the corners, earning 11 chances to Coast Guard's three. The two teams were at their most even in fouls, with the Lyons whistled for 12 while the Bears were whistled for 11.

Freshman Josiah Rodriguez (Beavercreek, Ohio) was the only Beas to send two shots Wheaton's way, while the Lyons had Vera and Declan Rhatigan try four apiece. Connor Hickey (Portsmouth, Maine) was once again impressive in net, making a career-high eight stops before letting up the goal to Vera. O'Gara made no saves, seeing seven and letting up the only shot on goal he faced.

Bears men's soccer plays next on Wednesday, October 29th, making their way to Western Massachusetts for their final road game of the regular season at Springfield College (6-8-1, 2-3-1 NEWMAC). Coast Guard was 2-1 victors thanks to a pair of second half goal in last season's meeting at Nitchman Field.