London, ON - The lights are back on at Mustangs Field where the men's soccer team took centre stage in a spirited 1-1 draw against the visiting Brock Badgers. 
 
A fast-paced start for the purple and white resulted in an early goal when Ehsan Hirji caught the keeper off his line and lobbed one into the net in the 4th minute on his Mustangs debut. 
 
"One of the best goals I've seen. It was incredible," said head coach Martin Painter. "Great way for him to make his debut. He's a special player and has got a lot of potential and ability." 
 
Brock responded fast and forced a couple saves from the Western keeper, eventually equalizing in the 11th minute with a shot placed into the bottom left corner. 
 
The early excitement stalled as the two teams settled into the game. They exchanged chances and yellow cards before the whistle signaled halftime. 
 
Home team advantage took form in the second half, as Mustang supporters broke out into roaring cheers and chants accompanied by cowbells. 
 
"It's an amazing feeling. We've been waiting for this for almost two years now," said captain Patrick Melo. "It's finally great to come back and play under the lights for the first game back with all the fans cheering us on. It's a special feeling." 
 
The Mustangs held the majority of the offensive pressure during the second half but couldn't find the back of the net. As the clock approached the 90th minute, neither team seemed satisfied with sharing the points. The match was not lacking in chances, intensity, or physicality, but ultimately ended in a draw. 
 
"I think we deserved a little bit more to be honest with you," said Painter. "I'm disappointed not to get the win, I thought we played really well." 
 
The Mustangs will look to claim all three points against the Badgers on Sunday in St. Catharines. Kick-off is at 3:15pm.