BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – In its second of three exhibitions, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs men's soccer team hosted perennial NCAA Division II power Young Harris and battled the Mountain Lions to a 1-1 draw.

"It's always a battle when we play Young Harris," said head coach Tony Setzer. "They have a history of success at the NCAA Division II level and really challenge us. They do some very nice things on the field and give us an idea of what we do well and we need to work on before the season starts."

The possession switched teams often throughout the opening minutes of the first half, and 20 minutes into the contest, Young Harris saw a chance to take the lead squandered by an offsides call.

In the 30^th minute, Petter Johansen recorded Gardner-Webb's first shot on goal which was quickly scooped up by the Mountain Lions' keeper, but one-minute later things would change.

Pedro Benito, who scored in the Runnin' Bulldogs first exhibition, a 4-1 win over Spartanburg Methodist last Saturday, put the 'Dogs in front. He took a pass from Hendrik Kortgodde, navigated his way through two defenders and lofted a shot past the Young Harris keeper.

Young Harris nearly netted the equalizer in the 44^th and 45^th minutes but came up empty both times. Daniel Husa quickly reacted to deflect a ball over the top of the goal, and the Mountains Lions' final attempt before the intermission was high, as GWU held a one-goal advantage after 45 minutes of play.

In the first 15 minutes of the second half, Young Harris had three corner kicks but was unable to get anything off the attempts as Gardner-Webb maintained its 1-0 advantage.

In the 70^th minute, a Young Harris player got free and had no defenders between him and Husa, but Husa managed to deflect the ball. Despite nearly deflecting the ball into the net, Husa scrambled back into the goal and recorded the save.

A foul in the box in the 77^th minute gave Young Harris a penalty kick, which was successful and tied the contest at one.

Gardner-Webb had several attempts late, including one in the final minute, which was sent wide of the goal, as the two teams battled to a draw.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will play their final exhibition on Saturday, August 24 at 7 p.m. when they host the Emmanuel (Ga.) College Lions. The 'Dogs will begin regular season play at Charlotte on Friday, August 30.