Saturday afternoon saw the Lambton Lions men’s soccer team closed out their three-game home stand with a contest against the visiting Mohawk Mountaineers. After a back-and-forth 90 minutes, the Lions and Mountaineers played to a 2-2 draw.

With the tie, the Lions picked up their first point of the season. Lambton now boasts a record of 0-5-1 on the year, while the Mountaineers sit at 1-4-1.

On the heels of a less-than-impressive showing against the Humber Hawks in their last outing, the Lambton Lions men’s soccer team were looking to bounce back and find their way into the win column. The Lions were looking to come out of the gates strong to build momentum early on.

Midfielder Mitch McAuley (Petrolia, ON; 1^st Year) was looking to build off his first career OCAA goal in the Lions’ game against Niagara. Against the Mountaineers, he wasted little time before making an impact.

After being subbed in early for Pietro Restivo (Sarnia, ON; 1^st), McAuley got the Lions on the board in the 7^th minute with a strike from inside the box. Lambton continued their pressure as the first half wore on, but they weren’t able to find the back of the net.

The Mountaineers were able to hold off the offensive attack of the Lions, and they put two past keeper Ky Duong (Sarnia, ON; 1^st) before the half was out. Mohawk took a 2-1 lead into the break after Lambton controlled the pace for most of the first half.

As the second half wore on, both teams had their share of chances but neither team was able to find the back of the net. With the game winding down, the Lions needed some heroics to try and salvage a point to close out their home stand.

Enter McAuley once more.

From the top of the box, McAuley sent a volley into the back of the net in the 89^th minute to tie things up at 2-all, sending the Lions into a frenzy as a result. The goal was McAuley’s third in as many games, and it helped Lambton escape with a 2-2 draw against the visiting Mountaineers.

The Lions posted a record of 0-2-1 over their three-game home stand, but they still have a shot at securing a playoff spot in the talented West Division.

From here, the Lions will head on the road for their next two games before ending the season on their home turf. Lambton will visit the Fanshawe Falcons on Tuesday afternoon for a rare mid-week tilt.

Kickoff on Tuesday is set for 4 p.m.