MISHAWAKA, Ind. – Francesca Lindstrom and Kennedy Cypher scored goals, but the Vanguard women's soccer team yielded the equalizer with just over seven minutes to play, finishing its trip to the Midwest with a 2-2 tie against Bethel on Monday afternoon.

The Lions (2-1-3) and Pilots (4-1-1) played a clean game, with just 17 fouls called between the two squads. Vanguard led 16-13 in the shots department and held a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.

VU created lots of scoring opportunities during a rainy afternoon at Morey Field. The Lions forced Pilot keeper Jael Schubert into six saves. Jordin Holmquist-Wilder stopped three shots for the Blue and Gold.

Cypher topped the Lions with five shots, while Lindstrom and Kaitlyn Currier added three apiece. Audrey Lerch and Leena Thomas – tied for the team lead in goals – combined for 11 of the team's 13 shots and accounted for both Pilot scores.

What Happened?

Vanguard generated the first dangerous scoring opportunity as Hailey Garvin had a 1v1 encounter with Schubert, but saw her shot deflected away by the netminder in the fourth minute. 

The Lions struck three and a half minutes later as Alyssa Fong fed a pass out to Lindstrom on the right flank some 30 yards from goal. Without hesitation, Lindstrom flicked a lofted ball over Schubert's head and inside the far post for the 1-0 VU lead.

It was Lindstrom's second goal of the season.

Bethel did not record a shot for the first 17 minutes of the game, but unfortunately its first attempt resulted in a goal. The Pilots tied the game after Aubrey Vervynckt sent a long service into the 18-yard box. Initially headed by a VU defender, the ball landed near Lerch, and she slotted a left-footed shot into the lower right corner to knot the score at 1-1.

The Lions responded just 38 seconds later to retake the lead. Fong struck a corner kick that bounced across the box untouched to Cypher. Cypher wasted no time booting a left-footed shot to the upper right corner at the 17:52 mark. 

Fong registered her second assist – the first multi-assist effort of her career. She leads the Lions with eight points on three goals and two assists this season. It was Cypher's second goal this season.

Both teams created more scoring chances in hopes of adding to the first half total. Lindstrom had her own dangerous 1v1 showdown with Schubert in the 25th minute, attempting to sidestep the keeper to the left, but had her shot smothered.

Holmquist-Wilder made a diving save to her right to stop a shot by Lerch in the 26th minute. Thomas hit a hard shot over the crossbar in the 39th minute.

The Lions looked to provide some immediate insurance to start the second half as Cypher threatened down the right side, but Schubert made the save.

Holmquist-Wilder denied Lerch on a header attempt in the 61st minute, and the Lion defense rejected her again with a team save five minutes later.

The Pilots kept pushing for the equalizer, and ultimately succeeded in the 83rd minute. A Bethel player threaded a through ball that split three Lion defenders and found Thomas, who outran the trio and snuck a shot past Holmquist-Wilder.

Fong and Currier took the final two VU shots, and Autumn Beaudoin knocked one just over the crossbar for the Pilots with a minute and a half to play. 

Why Is It Important?: After taking just two shots against No. 12 Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday, the Lions tied their season high with 16 attempts against Bethel.

What Was Said?: "Today was a good battle," said Head Coach Emily Reynolds. "The team created two beautiful goals and a lot of other chances. We're pleased with our progress and ready to get back to work when we get home."

What's Next?: The Blue and Gold return home to battle Antelope Valley on Monday, September 18 at 4:00 p.m.