OSHAWA, Ont - After leading by two against the visiting Centennial Colts early in the second half, the Durham Lords men's soccer team were pegged back to a 2-2 tie in their home finale. 

Excitement was fast and furious beginning with Jeremy Bangala (Pickering, Ont.) nearly opening the scoring in the sixth minute with a leaping header, but the first attempt of the match went just wide. 

Colts Tristen Wilson then saw his effort on its way to the top left corner but Durham keeper Kevon Grant (Oshawa, Ont.) tipped it over the bar. 

Just a minute later a nice counter attack from the Lords saw Nate Paine (Whitby, Ont.) cross the ball to Nigel Buckley (Pickering, Ont) but his effort went inches over the bar. 

Despite Centennial having the better of the early attacks, it was Durham who took the lead in the 33rd minute. With their first attempt on target, Jeremy Bangala (Pickering, Ont.) headed home his 12th goal of the season from Colin Reilly's (Whitby, Ont.) corner. 

The sides were tied with two shots each heading into the break, but the most important stat was in Durham's favour, 1-0. 

The Lords made a quick start to the second half when they found a second goal just 20 seconds in as Buckley's shot was too powerful for the Colts goalkeeper to keep out. 

Durham almost added a third a few minutes later when Paine made a great run down the left wing and found Buckley once again, but his effort went just over the bar. 

The Colts pulled one back in the 59th minute as Wilson found the back of the net to get Centennial back into the game. 

Centennial then leveled the game just five minutes later when Liam Cox's free kick found the top left corner.

Durham nearly replied instantly but a free kick from the ever-dangerous Buckley hit the side netting. 

Despite many chances from both sides late on, they had to settle for a point each. The Lords stretched their unbeaten run to nine and sit top of the eastern region with 20 points. 

The Lords will have a couple weeks off to prepare for their final game of the regular season on the road at Seneca on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.   
 

QUICK LOOK AT THE LORDS

Overall Record: 6-3-4 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 5-0-4
 
Next match: Wednesday, Oct. 17 vs. Seneca Sting • (6 p.m. – North York, Ont.)

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