DELAND, FL — The Wright State men's soccer team opened the 2022 campaign against Stetson and the weather Thursday night in Florida, with the Raiders battling the Hatters to a scoreless draw late into the night.
 
The Raiders (0-0-1) will remain in Florida and prepare for a Sunday matchup at Jacksonville, while Stetson (0-0-1) will next host another Horizon League foe in Detroit Mercy.
 
Nine minutes into the second half, lighting strikes were indicated in the area, resulting in what turned out to be an hour-long weather delay that, by the time the teams returned to the field and resumed play, brought a steady rain for the remainder of the match.
 
Wright State did not waste time with its first chance following the delay, as Stetson was called for a foul in the box and the Raiders were awarded a penalty kick in the 64th minute. Stetson goalkeeper Owen Jack turned away the initial PK opportunity from Reece Allbaugh and Conner Osterholt's rebound shot attempt flew wide to end the threat. The Raiders had two more opportunities, first in the 73rd minute when Joe Kouadio's header off a transition crossing attempt missed wide and then in the closing seconds as John Lynam missed wide to the right as the final seconds ticked off.
 
The Raiders withstood early first half physical play from the Hatters and eventually controlled the second portion of the first 45 minutes. Wright State tallied a flurry of shot attempts over a two minute stretch, with the first three attempts saved by Jack before Allbaugh's shot bounced off the left post. The Raiders had one final first half push in the closing seconds, but back-to-back attempts from Cole Werthmuller were each turned away by Jack.
 
Nico Lukulia's shot attempt was wide less than a minute info the second half, which turned out to be the only second half pressure from either side before the lengthy delay.
 
Wright State outshot Stetson 16-13, but the difference came in quality attempts, as the Raiders produced eight shots on goal to the Hatters' one, which was easily turned away by Sebastian Jimenez in the first half. Allbaugh, Kouadio and Osterholt each had three shots for the Raiders, with Allbaugh's two attempts on frame the only player on either side with multiple quality attempts. Stetson's Charles Ahl had three shot attempts of his own to lead the hosts offensively, while Jack finished with seven saves.
 
Chippy throughout, especially early, there was a total of 17 combined fouls whistled and six yellow cards – including five on the hosts. Stetson's Alessandro Gabbani drew a pair of yellows in a span of 90 seconds late, affording the Raiders the opportunity to play the remaining four minutes and change a man up as they made their final push.