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CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois senior Alex Harrison scored twice and nearly found the back of the net a third time as the Panthers picked up a 2-2 draw with Bradley in a midweek Missouri Valley Conference contest at Lakeside Field. The Panthers will return to action next Tuesday at Illinois-Chicago.
Harrison put the Panthers on the board at the 17 minute mark of the first half as he connected on a header off a deflected ball in front of the goal. Kyle Bullock served the ball into the box and Ryan Child had the first deflection before Harrison scored. It was the first goal of the season for the senior.
Bradley was able to tie the contest six minutes before the half as Christian Meza scored unassisted on a shot past EIU goalkeeper Sean Molony that found the lower left corner of the net.
The Braves looked to have a game winner by Bryan Gaul at the 61 minute mark as he connected on a header from Meza on a ball sent in high over the defense.'
The Panthers continued to apply the offensive pressure as they had 18 total shots including nine shots on goal. Harrison was able get the equalizer as he had a ball squirt through the defense as a pile of players crowded near the goal box with just under seven minutes remaining.
Harrison's final attempt on goal was a flicked on header that Bradley goalkeeper Brian Billings was able to make the save on. Billings finished with seven saves for Bradley while Molony had three saves for the Panthers.
EIU is now 4-8-1 overall, 1-3-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Bradley is 6-7-2, 1-2-1 in the MVC.