INDIANAPOLIS – The IUPUI men's soccer team gave up the tying tally in the 76^th minute to draw visiting Bellarmine 1-1 Tuesday afternoon. Josemir Gomez scored in his third straight match for the Jags, Bringing his tally to five on the year.

"I think it was a good game for us for where we are at right now," stated head coach Sid van Druenen. "We've been pretty unhappy with our ability on the ball and connecting forward, and being able to play out of pressure, so playing against a team that is a solid 4-4-2 and is built to not concede was a good challenge for us. Playing 90 minutes against that block was good for us, but I don't think we did very well. It's going to make us better, but we're not happy with how we did."

IUPUI (4-3-2, 3-0-0 HL) controlled possession in the first half, maintaining 57 percent of the ball, but were unable to create any scoring opportunities. Despite having less of the ball, Bellarmine (1-2-5) managed four shots on goal, forcing senior goalkeeper Bryson Najarian to have a busy first 45 minutes.

The possession discrepancy continued into the second stanza, with the Jags holding over 60 percent of the ball. The hosts were much more aggressive coming out of the break but remained patient. Gomez capitalized on the best scoring chance, coming in the 64^th minute. Emerson Nieto started the play, dribbling at the Knight's defense before playing an excellent ball out wide to right back Noah Kummrow. The freshman put a dangerous cross into the six-yard box and Gomez slid to touch the ball passed the keeper.

"It's unbelievable, honestly," said Najarian of Gomez's recent form. "I love watching (Josemir) play, and he's one of the best in college soccer right now."

The Oconomowoc, Wisconsin native has been strong of late, starting the past four matches in the back line. Against the Knights, Kummrow played a team-high 83 minutes and registered his first collegiate point.

Bellarmine, however, would not go down without a fight, applying pressure to the IUPUI back line in search for an equalizer. The breakthrough came on a fast break in the 76^th minute. Following an IUPUI goal kick, Bellarmine won the ball back and attacked the out-of-position defense. Alex Halevy played in a perfectly weighted ball to Chris Shust, who slotted it into the side netting.

Following the tally, both squads played a little more carefully to not give up the game-winning goal. Despite having the lion's share of the possession in the final 10 minutes of play, the Jags were unable to create any genuine scoring opportunity, leading to a draw.

IUPUI returns to #HLMSOC play this weekend, taking on Detroit Mercy on the road on Saturday (Sept. 30). Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. with the match being streamed on ESPN+.