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GRANVILLE, Ohio (Sept. 21) -- In a tightly contested match, the Denison Big Red and the Case Western Reserve Spartans fought to a 1-1 draw in non-conference play Saturday afternoon in Granville. Denison struck first with a goal in the second half, but Case Western found a late equalizer in the final minute to earn the draw.

The breakthrough came from Denison sophomore Eli Taylor, who found the back of the net in the second half. Taylor made a surging run down the right side of the pitch, pressing into the 18-yard box. His hard-hit cross into the box, intended for Jake Krueger, took an unexpected turn when it ricocheted off a Case Western defender and slipped past the Spartans' keeper into the lower left corner of the net, giving Denison a 1-0 lead.

Despite Denison's efforts to hold onto the lead, Case Western struck back in dramatic fashion in the final minute. Amir Awais delivered a stunning equalizer from just outside the 18-yard box, finding the top corner to level the score at 1-1. 

Both teams were evenly matched throughout, with four shots on frame apiece and three saves by each goalkeeper. Fouls were also balanced, contributing to the back-and-forth nature of the contest. However, Denison held the edge in corner kicks, earning nine while limiting the Spartans to just two.

"Tough afternoon to concede that late when we felt like we did more than enough to win," said Denison head coach Brandon Bianco. "Credit to CWRU for finding their moment and taking it. But I'm really proud of our group today. We'll regroup and get ready for next week."

The Big Red will continue their home stretch next Friday, September 27th, when they host the Christopher Newport Captains at Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.