CLINTON, Miss. – The Saint Leo men's soccer team battled No. 10 Mississippi Christian to a 1-1 draw Sunday afternoon, highlighted by the first career goal for junior Viktor Danielsson.
The Lions came out on the attack, controlling much of the opening minutes and firing five shots while earning four corner kicks in the first eight minutes. Saint Leo's early pressure paid off in the eighth minute when Danielsson found the back of the net for the first time in his career. Junior Luis Gaitan picked up the assist on the goal to give the Lions an early 1-0 advantage.
Saint Leo continued to hold the nationally ranked Choctaws off the board through the remainder of the opening half. The Lions outshot Mississippi Christian 8-4 in the first 45 minutes and carried their one-goal advantage into the break.
The Choctaws increased the pressure after halftime, but junior goalkeeper Vincent Fournier helped preserve the lead. Fournier made a pair of key saves early in the second half that held Mississippi Christian at bay.
The Choctaws eventually broke through in the 80th minute to even the match at 1-1. Saint Leo responded with a pair of late corner kicks but was unable to find the go-ahead goal before the final whistle.
The two sides finished even with 12 shots and seven corner kicks apiece. Danielsson led the Lions with two shots and their lone goal, while Pietro Botasso recorded Saint Leo's other shot on goal. Fournier finished the afternoon with four saves while allowing just one goal.
The Green & Goal will return to action on Thursday, September 3 as it hosts non-conference foe, Emmanuel (Ga.) in the home opener starting at 7 p.m.
