ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowboy soccer battled to a 2-2 tie in a game with eight cautions playing East Texas Baptist on Wednesday night at the HSU Soccer Complex in their American Southwest Conference opener.
 
The Cowboys opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Ethan Leal netted his first goal of the season, assisted by Austin Randriamahefa and Benny Lube. After halftime, ETBU responded quickly with goals from Junior Lopez and Dylan Garcia assisted by Victor Aniceto in the 49^th and 77^th minutes to take a 2-1 lead.
 
Hardin-Simmons found the equalizer just three minutes later as Jaxon Shaffer scored his first collegiate goal in the 80^th minute, with Lube providing his second assist of the night.
 
Goalkeeper Carson Null anchored the defense with seven saves across 90 minutes. Lube finished with two assists, while Shaffer and Leal each scored once to pace the Cowboy attack. Gabriel Sias led the team with five shots, including three shots on goal.
 
Overall, HSU out-shot ETBU 21-19 and held a 10-4 edge in corner kicks. The Cowboys committed six fouls and received four yellow cards, while ETBU was shown four yellows and one red card from a second yellow.
 
The Cowboys return to action on Saturday, October 4, hosting conference foe Howard Payne at 7:30 p.m. at the HSU Soccer Complex.
 
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