Munoz Scores a Pair in a Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against No. 6 IWU

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UPLAND, Ind. – A pair of goals by Elias Munoz in the second half gave Taylor (5-5-3, 1-3-2 CL) a well-deserved draw with cross-county rivals No. 6 Indiana Wesleyan on Wednesday night.

Munoz capped a terrific performance with a one-touch wonder goal in the 86th minute to level the match at two and send the home crowd into a wild frenzy. The freshman's goal came after Jacob Nicholson received a pass and took two dribbles to the top of the box before laying the ball on a platter for Munoz to fire a shot from outside the box into the back of the net.

The Wildcats controlled much of the first half and took the lead in the 26th minute on a well-worked team goal to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Taylor's defense held steady to get to halftime down by just a goal. Sam Spiegel had four of his eight saves before the break, while another six shots were blocked by a TU defender.

Less than ten minutes after the restart, Munoz scored to even the match at one. Carlos Sanabria and Nicholson forced a takeaway in the opposing half, and Nicholson made a run into the box before firing a shot that was blocked right to the foot of Munoz, who slotted home.

IWU (12-1-1, 4-1-1 CL) took the lead back in the 71st minute on a goal after a sly two-man game gave the Wildcats an opportunity on goal.

The match stayed that way until Munoz's late equalizer gave the Trojans a well-earned draw against one of the top teams in the Crossroads League. The Tegucigalpa, Honduras native scored his third and fourth goals of the season and now leads the squad with 11 points. Nicholson provided both assists in an outstanding showing from the junior.

Spiegel and the Trojan defense held the NAIA-leading offense to just two goals, their fewest goals in a match this season. A combined 17 saves plus blocks showcased the willingness to put their body on the line to deny the potent Wildcats a winning goal in a thrilling contest.

Taylor continues Crossroads League play against RV Spring Arbor (8-6-1, 2-3-1 CL) on Saturday, October 19, on the road, with kick-off set for 7:00 pm.