Murray Scores as Scots Draw with Vikings

by Nathan Baliva

MONMOUTH, Ill. (10/12/2025) — The Monmouth College men's soccer team got an early goal from Owen Murray (Cedar City, Utah) and drew 1-1 at home with Lawrence on Saturday. The Fighting Scots (3-5-3, 0-3-1) are back home against Illinois College on Wednesday.

"We played with intent and passion for 90 minutes today," said head coach Ian Hatleli. "We picked up some big injuries in our last game (Tuesday) and we had guys come up big today in their place. We weren't very clinical today but just like they responded with their effort today guys will respond on Wednesday."

Luis Villa (El Paso, Texas) made a save for the Scots in the fifth minute and two minutes later the Scots took the lead. Murray scored for the seventh time this season, off an assist from Ryan Rodriguez-Gardea (El Paso, Texas). Just 40 seconds later, Lawrence tied the game.

Monmouth nearly regained the lead in the 17th minute but Alexander Franco (El Paso, Texas) was denied and Murray shot wide in the 20th minute. Rodriguez-Gardea forced a save in the 23rd minute but that game remained tied into halftime.

Murray had a shot saved early in the second half and another one blocked. Parker Davis (Burlington, Iowa) and Omar Portillo (El Paso, Texas) also forced saves. Villa made a save in the 79th minute and wasn't troubled the rest of the way. Monmouth had one final chance in the closing seconds but shot high as the game ended 1-1.

MONMOUTH MOMENTS: With seven goals this season, Murray leads the team ... He has 13 career goals moving into a tie for 12th on the Monmouth career list with Isaac Hernandez (2011-14) ... He has 30 career points, tied with three players for 15th ... Villa and Treyton Yi (Streamwood, Illinois) played all 90 minutes ... Villa made two saves ... Monmouth out shot Lawrence 21-7 ... The teams have tied three straight seasons with a 2-2 draw last year in Wisconsin ... The all-time series is even at 11-11-5 ... Monmouth has another home game at 3 p.m. Wednesday as they face Illinois College.