In the end, lightning was the only winner.

The Muhlenberg men's soccer team tied Swarthmore, 2-2, in a matchup of regionally ranked Centennial Conference teams that was called after the first overtime due to lightning. The players took to the field for the second overtime, but with the skies lighting up all around Varsity Field, the game was suspended. After a short wait, officials called the game.

The Mules (6-1-2, 0-1-1), ranked seventh in the Mid-Atlantic Region, fell behind 1-0 when the Garnet (6-1-2, 0-1-1), ranked eighth, converted a penalty kick in the 14th minute. The deficit would have been worse if not for senior Jordan Cimring, who headed a ball over the crossbar to save a goal in the 10th minute.

Muhlenberg tied the score late in the half after junior Victor Jacobs was taken down in the box. Senior Matthew Athanas-Linden buried the penalty kick for his ninth career goal.

The Mules took their first lead 10 minutes into the second half off a set piece after freshman Taylan Akdag drew a foul. Junior Gnim Bazim headed in the free kick from freshman Chris Richards for his first career goal, becoming the 13th different Muhlenberg player to score a goal this season. The assist gave Richards 20 points for the season, making him the eighth Mule freshman to reach that level.

Swarthmore score off a set piece of its own less than eight minutes later.

Senior Raymond Leto, returning to action after missing three games with injury, made three saves in the second half, including a diving stop in the 89th minute, to preserve the tie. Neither team put a shot on goal in the lone overtime period.

pictured above: Senior Pete Luther made his season debut for the Mules.