CINCINNATI – The Wright State men's soccer team opened its 2023 season with a 1-1 draw Thursday afternoon at Xavier in a match that was moved up and played earlier in the day to avoid some of the forecasted excessive heat in the area.
 
Wright State (0-0-1) got on the board in the 40th minute, taking the advantage late in the first half on Kobe Perlaza's header off a corner kick opportunity from Reece Allbaugh. The Raiders played with the lead the majority of the match, with Xavier's second half pressure finally netting the hosts the equalizer in the 86th minute thanks to Sohei Matsumori.
 
The Raiders and Musketeers each recorded five first half shots, but the hosts turned up the offensive attack in the second 45 minutes and tallied six second half shots to Wright State's one. Six different Raiders recorded one shot each, with Perlaza and Chris Geddis the only two putting an attempt on frame. Matsumori was one of two Xavier players with two shots, as the hosts ended the afternoon with six of their 11 total attempts going on frame.
 
Wright State goalkeeper Natan Admassu turned in five saves in his collegiate debut before the late second half tally.
 
Wright State remains on the road, traveling to take on Marshall on Monday night before the Raiders begin the home portion of the schedule next Saturday, September 2 when they host Saint Francis (PA) at Alumni Field.