The Utah State Eastern men's soccer team scored twice in the second half to rally from a two-goal deficit and earn a 2-2 draw against No. 8 North Idaho College on Thursday, clinching a spot in the Scenic West Athletic Conference postseason tournament.
The Eagles and Cardinals battled for possession throughout the first half, but North Idaho broke through in the 35th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Eastern looked for an equalizer before halftime but entered the break trailing by one.
The Cardinals extended their lead in the 58th minute, putting Eastern behind 2-0. The Eagles continued to create opportunities and cut the deficit in the 72nd minute when Noah Heil found the back of the net.
Eastern kept up the pressure, and Heil scored again in the 76th minute to bring the Eagles level at 2-2. Both teams battled for possession in the closing minutes, but neither found a late winner as the match ended in a draw.
The Eagles finished with a 13-6 advantage in shots, outshooting the Cardinals throughout the match.
The result leaves Eastern in third place in the Scenic West standings with one regular season match remaining. The Eagles have secured a spot in the conference postseason tournament, but Saturday's result will help determine their final seeding.
Eastern will close out the regular season Saturday, Oct. 24, against Pacific Northwest Christian College at Castleview Hospital Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The Eagles will also honor their sophomores before or during the day's festivities.
