In the opening round of the John Carroll Classic Friday evening at Don Shula Stadium, the John Carroll Blue Streaks faced off in a physical matchup against Transylvania University that ended in a 2-2 draw.

Box Score

It had a familiar ring to it for both squads, as their last meeting, back in the 2007 NCAA Division III Championships, also ended deadlocked after regulation. This time, however, there would be no penalty kicks needed for advancement.

Getting the scoring started early in the game was Transylvania midfielder Jason Fairless at the 8:04 mark of the first half. Fairless converted a penalty kick after the Blue Streaks were whisteld on a foul inside the box. 

JCU answered back just over ten minutes later as defender Steve Rock (North Royalton, OH, Walsh Jesuit) headed in the equalizer for his first tally of the season on a pass from Jake Milli (North Royalton, OH, Walsh Jesuit) at the 19:14 mark.

With less than a minute remaining in the half, Pioneers forward Ethan Collins gave his team a boost and a one goal edge by adding a marker from 30 yards out at 44:23.

Trailing 2-1, John Carroll answered early in the second half to notch the game up at two on the second penalty kick of the game by junior midfielder Andrew Fatigati (Massillon, OH, Washington) at 61:51 of the second. Fatigati's marker is his second of the season. 

Both teams had opportunities both late in regulation and in the two extra sessions, but neither could notch the golden goal.

Streaks goalkeeper Matt DeMarchi (Hudson, OH, Walsh Jesuit) made six saves while his fellow netminder Trey Kramer made two saves. 

JCU outshot Transylvania 14-12 on the night.