Boxscore
The University of Evansville and Creighton University scored goals 12 minutes apart in the first half, then spent the next 75 minutes battling each other to a standoff as the Purple Aces and #23 ranked Bluejays played to a 1-1 draw at UE's McCutchan Stadium.
The 110-minute match featured 34 shots, 20 corner kicks and nine yellow cards. Evansville dominated the two overtime periods, outshooting the Bluejays 4-1 and getting off four corner kicks to one by Creighton. The Aces also had the best scoring opportunity of the match with two minutes left in the second OT when Mike Luttrull broke away from the defense and raced 25 yards with the ball, but Creighton goalkeeper Brian Holt came up quickly to make a diving save just as Luttrull got off the shot.
"Our guys played a tough match on both sides of the ball, and were really unfortunate to not come away with three points," said UE Coach Mike Jacobs. "You always know that it will be a physical contest against Creighton (16 Creighton fouls to 13 from Evansville; 5 Creighton yellow cards to 4 from Evansville). Our team played with a level of commitment that was reminiscent of the great Aces teams of the past, and I am very proud of their attitude and effort."
Creighton opened the scoring at 24:02 when Ethan Finlay and Chris Schuler set up Dion Acoff for his first goal of the season, six yards in front of the goal mouth. Evansville scored at 36:25 after Creighton was called for a foul in the penalty area. Senior Dan Gibson's penalty kick was blocked by Holt, but Gibson was there for the rebound and blasted it over Holt's head to tie the match.
Despite the draw, Saturday's match ended an outstanding week for Evansville, off to its best start since 1996 with a 9-4-1 record. The Aces won Wednesday at Bradley for the first time since 1999, and Saturday's tie ended a six-match losing streak against Creighton. The Aces also stayed ahead of Creighton in the MVC standings at 3-2-1. Creighton is 5-3-3 overall and 3-2-2 in the league.
The Aces continue their three-match homestand Wednesday against Missouri State at 7:00.
