SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University (0-0-1) battled to a 1-1 tie with the University of the District of Columbia (0-0-1) in men's soccer action at Shepherd on Thursday afternoon in the season opener for both schools.

The Firebirds took a 1-0 lead into the break when Santiago Gordillo Martinez scored an unassisted tally at the 36:20 mark.

Shepherd rallied for the tie when freshman midfielder Faustin Ndagije (Cheverly, Md./Parkdale) scored on a pass from graduate student midfielder Ryan Fisher (Hurricane, W.Va./Hurricane/Marshall) at the 88:07 mark.

Freshman goalkeeper Aidan Houck (Ellicott City, Md./Marriotts Ridge) posted four saves for the Rams. Sergio Berrara recorded seven saves for the Firebirds.
Shepherd had a 14-9 advantage in shots and an 8-5 edge in shots on goal. Shepherd had a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.

The Rams return to action on Saturday when they travel to Pitt-Johnstown for a 2 p.m. match.