ANCASTER, ON.  Redeemer men's soccer welcomed the Niagara Knights Saturday afternoon. The late-season match-up was crucial for both sides to walk away with valuable points. As the regular season winds down, precious points are up for grabs as teams push to climb the table.

Redeemer opened the match by applying significant pressure on the Knights. This early pressure resulted in the Reds being awarded an early penalty kick. Cormac O'Brien stepped up to the dot but was turned aside by the Niagara keeper. 

Redeemer was eager to find a goal following the early penalty opportunity. Minutes later, Stephen Barnhoorn found himself an opportunity at the top of the 18-yard box and delivered. An early 1-nil lead for the Royals. 

Niagara was not going to allow Redeemer to control the match. Knights forward Ferdinand Lokole answered for the Knights in the 29th minute of play to level the score 1-1. 

Entering the half all square, however, Niagara outshot the Royals 8-2 in the opening forty-five minutes. 

Second-half action quickly got underway, and the Royals yet again found themselves with an early penalty kick opportunity. O'Brien stepped up to the dot again, but walked away with the upper hand this time in his matchup against Niagara keeper David Norfolk. The Royals star put Redeemer up 2-1.

Niagara began to build pressure throughout the second half, searching for the equalizer. The Royals, content with defending their lead, allowed the Knights to maintain the majority of second-half possession.

As the game continued to near the final whistle, the Knights' urgency began to build. 

Added time began, and the Knights answered the call with a late equalizer, silencing the RU Royal Family. 

Saturday's match ended in a 2-2 draw. This was Redeemer second match of the season, allowing a win to become a draw in added time. 

The Royals are back in action Tuesday for Senior Night against the Sheridan Bruins.

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