RICHMOND, Va. – As advertised, Wednesday's men's soccer match between Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion was a physical battle between longtime rivals. VCU erased a one-goal deficit in the 74th minute when senior Jake Van Yahres scored the equalizer off a free kick but neither team could find the net in a pair of overtime periods and fought to a 1-1 draw at Sports Backers Stadium.

VCU, which runs its league-best unbeaten streak to nine games, picks up a point in the standings and moves to 5-1-4 overall and 2-0-2 in conference action. Old Dominion is now 5-3-2, 1-1-2 in CAA play.

Senior C.J. Gehin-Scott had a chance early for the Rams following a drive to the net but Old Dominion goalkeeper Evan Newton charged and came up with the save in the 11th minute.

The Monarchs threatened 15 minutes later when Frederico Espinach sent a strike from the top of the box but Rams' goalie Gabriel Rodriguez made a diving stop.

VCU pressured again with a pair of offensive threats just before the half. Senior Thomas Hupper blasted a free kick from about 25 yards out but sailed wide of the net in the 43rd minute and freshman Jason Johnson nearly put the Rams on top with an acrobatic shot with 30 seconds to go in the half but Newton made a running stop and preserved the scoreless tie.

http://www.vcuathletics.com/sports/msoc/...1006hvn6jq