NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 2, Warren Wilson 2
Records: Piedmont, 0-0-1; Warren Wilson, 0-0-1

SWANNANOA, N.C. - The Piedmont men's soccer team held off a late rally to earn a 2-2 draw at Warren Wilson in its season opener Thursday evening.

The Owls were able to score first and last, but two Piedmont goals by freshman COLIN VOGEL and a pair of incredible saves by freshman goalkeeper BOBBY WOOD helped the Lions avoid a season-opening road loss.

Defense ruled the day early as the Lions and Owls combined for just one shot over the first 12 minutes of action. However, the Owls were able to break open the scoring in the 14th minute as their first shot on goal found the back of the net.

The Lions were able to answer back quickly, striking in the 29th minute as a beautiful through ball from RICARDO RUIZ found Vogel who beat the keeper with a strike to the top right corner of the net to equalize.

Taking advantage of the momentum, the Ruiz to Vogel connection came through again less than two minutes later, this time from the opposite side of the field with a low left finish from Vogel.

Although it looked like Piedmont had taken control late in the first half, Warren Wilson snatched the momentum back as a loose ball and a mad scramble in front of the net led to the Owls knotting the score at 2-2 in the 50th minute.

Neither side was able to punch home the game-winner for the final 40 minutes, despite multiple great chances from both sides.

With just over six minutes left to play, the Owls drew a foul just inside the 18-yard box for what looked like it could be a game-changing penalty kick. However, the freshman Wood, making his first career start, was up to the task diving to his left to make the save.

Then, in the final seconds, Wood came through in the clutch again, stopping a Warren Wilson breakaway in a 1-v-1 situation to allow the Lions to escape with the draw.

Up next, Piedmont will remain on the road, taking on Sewanee this Saturday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Wood made a pair of critical diving saves in the final minutes to preserve the 2-2 tie.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Looking to replace the goal-scoring prowess of CAMERON EARLS, freshman COLIN VOGEL stepped up in his debut, scoring both of Piedmont's goals.
- Junior RICARDO RUIZ, one of Piedmont's few returning starters, provided a steady presence in the midfield, assisting on both goals.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The Owls held an 11-7 shot advantage for the contest.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.