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The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team continued its spring schedule last weekend, playing Bowling Green to a 1-1 draw in a friendly at Gettler Stadium.
The teams were scoreless in the first half before the Bearcats got on the scoreboard with a 55th minute goal from John Manga (Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay). Cincinnati was working off a defensive clear from a free kick and countered two-on-one. Stefan Bangsund (Kent, Wash./Kentwood/Highline College) beat the last Bowling Green defender and played it to Manga on a breakway. Manga then beat the keeper with a slotted finish for the 1-0 lead.
The Falcons drew even in the 83rd minute, scoring on a long ball over the top. UC almost struck back to win the match, with the Falcons knocking it in their own net as time expired, but the referee ruled it came after the clock hit zero.
Overall, UC outshot Bowling Green and developed more quality chances before the teams traded goals in the second half. The Falcons are returning eight starters from a squad that went 14-6-1 last season.
"I thought we moved the ball well and created some good chances in the first half, which is an area we've been working on a lot," said head coach Hylton Dayes. "Overall, it was another positive step for us this spring."
The Bearcats previously defeated Ohio State (1-0 in three, 30-minute periods) and a U-18 team from the Toronto Soccer Academy (5-0). Matches remain at Kentucky (April 4), versus NAIA powerhouse Rio Grande (April 10) and Dayton (April 16), as well as the team's annual alumni game on April 12.