WASHINGTON - The American University men's soccer team hosted Maryland in an exhibition contest Sunday afternoon at Reeves Field, and played defending NCAA National Champion Terps to a 1-1 draw.

Junior Nick Kapus scored American's goal in the 76^th minute to knot the score at one. The goal was setup by junior Mike Worden, who beat his defender up the left side of the field, and crossed it to the center of the pitch. Kapus did the rest, sliding it past the dive by Maryland goalkeeper Will Swaim.  

Maryland got on the scoreboard at in the 15^th minute mark of the first half. Sophomore Casey Townsend beat AU goalkeeper Matt Makowski to his left. Senior Drew Yates was credited with the assist.

Late in the first half, Maryland had a golden opportunity to take a two-goal advantage when its offensive player got behind Makowski and it looked like a sure-fire goal. However, American senior Cooper Bryant, the 2009 Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, came to the rescue with a tremendous slide tackle from behind to poke the ball out of bounds.

Makowski was solid in goal throughout for the Eagles, recording nine saves.

Each team fired 10 shots on goal in the match. American held a 6-2 advantage on corner kicks.

"Obviously, this is a good result against the number one team in the country," said American Head Coach Todd West. "I am pleased that we stayed with it after falling behind 1-0.  We were able to create chances and got in behind them several times.  This is a good starting point for our team and a testament to the strength of our program, although there are a lot of areas where we can still improve. Now it's back to work tomorrow to prepare for Richmond."

The Eagles will be back in action this Tuesday, August 25, when they travel to Richmond, Va., to face off against the Spiders in their second and final exhibition match. First kick is set for 7 p.m.