Wednesday evening the UK men’s soccer team looked to keep dominating at home against a hungry Lipscomb Bison team in a non-conference matchup. In the end, however, the Cats fell victim to a mid-week letdown in a 1-1 draw with the Bison.

The Cats had just worked their way back into the NCAA Top 25 rankings after their gritty win against No. 21 New Mexico on Sunday. Lipscomb was coming off a heartbreaking double overtime loss at Jacksonville, dropping their away record to 1-2 on the season. The last thing UK needed was to overlook Lipscomb in the middle of the week contest, but unfortunately that was exactly what the Cats did.

The first half was dominated by Lipscomb, who scored 23 minutes into the first half with relative ease thanks to defender Josue Chavez. This forced UK to spend the rest of the half trying to answer back. The Cats were continuously shut down by Lipscomb’s precise and physical defense, struggling every time they pushed into Bison territory. The Cats got three shots on goal in the first half, however, none of them were particularly achievable looks.

The first half was defined by the extreme physicality by both teams, with several altercations between teams throughout. A total of 18 fouls were called, including three yellow cards.

And then, like a switch had flipped, the second half was all UK pressure. They spent almost all 45 minutes in Lipscomb territory, getting 3 shots on goal, and scoring a late goal at 69^th minute. Kaelon Fox is credited with the goal, in his first appearance in a game for UK since the 2014 season, off a corner kick from defender Charlie Reymann.

“Charlie really put it on a platter for me,” Fox said. “You always dream of that moment, the score on the first touch, but it really was an easy header.”

Fox had been sidelined with an injury, and didn’t play any of the 2015 season.

The Lipscomb defense, however, stood strong for the rest of the half, sending the game into overtime, with a score of 1-1. At the end of regulation, 30 fouls had been called, and five yellow cards had been issued.

Overtime was more of the same, with UK pounding at the Lipscomb goal repeatedly, notching two more shots on goal, and not allowing any by the Bison. The Cats were unable to convert on their numerous chances, and, in failing to do the same in double overtime, the game ended in a tie.

Fox hopes that the goal will only help in him working back into his role for the team. “You know it’s all about playing my role. Always team before self. I just want to protect what we’ve got and get us in a good position for postseason play,” Fox said.

UK will take the field next October 1^st at 5 p.m. at the Bell against conference opponent Charlotte, playing their last of four straight home games.