UTICA, NY -  The Utica University's men's soccer team and Medaille University fought to an even 2-2 draw this afternoon. 
 
The first half was a physical battle for both teams which dictated the pace of the game. Medaille struck first in the 22nd minute as Jaime Mendo found the back of the net for his first goal of the season to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, Ander Castillo sent a rocket into the net for his Empire 8 leading 12th goal and a commanding 2-0 lead for the Mavericks. Utica was able to out-shoot Medaille 8-6, yet Dante Gesamondo was able to make two saves to keep the Pioneers off the board in the first half.
 
Utica would continue its attack and drew a penalty in the 56th minute. Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) was able to put the ball in the net which was his sixth goal of the season and his third converted penalty kick of the season. The Pioneers started aggressively attacking looking for the equalizer and Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) was able to tie the contest in the 83rd minute off a loft from Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) for the assist. In the second half, although out-shot, Utica did not allow a goal on Medaille's 12 shots as Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) had six saves.
 
Utica's comeback was fueled by Baker-Green and Mugushu. Baker-Green is now third in the Empire 8 with 16 points as he has recorded six goals and four assists this year. Mugushu is fourth in the Empire 8 with six goals and two assists and both of them proved that today having their fingerprints all over Utica's comeback to tie with Medaille University. Goalkeeper Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) continued to shine in the net with a season-high six saves and his stellar second half helped keep the Mavericks off the board and keep the game tied.
 
Utica's comeback was able to help them improve to 4-1-1 on the season and now 1-0-1 in Empire 8 play. The Pioneers will return to action when the team hosts Owesgo State on Wednesday at 4 p.m.