RIVER FOREST, Ill. --- Playing the second home match of the 2022 season, the Concordia University Chicago women's soccer team welcomed an NAIA opponent, Saint Xavier to River Forest for non-conference action on Wednesday afternoon. The Cougars got two goals from Julianna Paulsen in the game, but Saint Xavier was able to answer, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

The opening 20 minutes were slow going offensively for both teams, with no on-target shots being taken.  CUC finally got it going in the 25th minute. Allie Brown played a perfect through ball to Paulsen on the left side of the box, and Paulsen was able to put a strike on the ball with her left foot that finished just inside the right post for the contest's opening goal.

Saint Xavier was able to net the equalizer in the 42nd minute. Hope Lewis played a cross right on the top of the six-foot box, where Olivia Hawley was to put the finishing touches on a goal inside the left post. Saint Xavier then took the lead in the 71st minute. Ashley Clifton fed a through ball forward, where it was one touched by Esmeralda Diaz to the top of the six-foot box. There, Lewis headed in the go-ahead goal inside the left post.

Concordia continued to fight late in the contest, finding the back of the net in the 81st minute. After a Saint Xavier foul, Melica Kenworthy ripped a long shot off on a restart. The ball was initially saved, but the rebound found the foot of Paulsen, who finished off her second goal of the match.

Kassie SIlenzi finished the day with six saves, including two big ones over the last few minutes to preserve the 2-2 tie.

The Cougars will continue non-conference play on Sunday afternoon when they head to North Park for a 1:00pm kickoff. Links to coverage can be found at cucougars.com/coverage. You can keep up with the team on Twitter and Instagram @CUCWSOC.