DALLAS, TEXAS -- Campbell rallied for a 1-1 draw at 16th-ranked SMU Friday night in the men's soccer season opener for both teams at Westcott Field.
Sophomore Ricki Gaez provided the Camel goal in the 63rd minute, just 8:44 after SMU's Eddie Puskarich broke the scoreless tie.
Campbell keeper Ethan Hall finished with six saves in the nets, while Jaime Ibarra had eight for the Mustangs. Both teams completed the 110 minutes with 16 shots, while the Camels had a slight 9-7 advantage in shots on target.
In a balanced first half, when the host Mustangs held a slim 8-7 edge in shots but neither team was able to beat the keeper.
Puskarich put SMU in front in the 54th minute. He took a pass from Leobardo Vazquez and struck a 25-yard shot that hit the crossbar and went in Camel keeper Ethan Hall's net.
Senior Mitchell Cardenas was one of four Camel starters who played high school and club soccer in the Lone Star state. He was joined in the CU first 11 by fellow Texas products Justin Franz (Cedar Park/Vista Ridge HS), Travis Golden (Austin/James Bowie HS) and Keegan Terry (Carrollton/Hebron HS).
A midfielder, who prepped at College Park High School in Spring, Texas, Cardenas set up the equalizer in the 63rd minute when Gaez headed home his serve from the left flank.
Each team was able to direct only one shot on target over the last 22:25 of regulation. SMU took an 89th minute corner, but could not get off a shot.
At the end of regulation, the Camels held a 14-13 edge in shots with 9 on target, compared to 7 for the hosts.
Both teams were able to get off only one shot in the first extra period, and neither attempt was on frame.
Andrew Morales and Vazquez had attempts in the final minute, but Morales' effort was blocked and Vazquez' try sailed over Hall's cross bar.
Friday's contest marked the second-straight year that Campbell went into extra time against a nationally-ranked opponent in its season opener. Last season, the Camels drew 0-0 with 30th-ranked Furman at home.
Campbell moved to 0-5-2 against nationally-ranked teams under the guidance of third-year head coach Steve Armas.
"I'm certainly pleased with the result and proud of the effort from our boys to pull back even against a very good SMU team," said Campbell head coach Steve Armas. "It took us awhile to get going, largely in part of how well SMU played and took us out of our game plan."
Campbell continues its two-game season-opening road trip through Texas Sunday with a 1:00 p.m. (CDT) kick-off at Houston Baptist. The Camels host UNC Wilmington on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in their home opener.
