TROY, N.Y. – First-year Gavin Blake netted his first collegiate goal as the Union College men's soccer team battled Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon at ECAV Stadium.

The first half was tightly contested, with each team managing just one shot on goal before heading into halftime scoreless.

RPI broke the deadlock in the 58th minute in the second half when Sam Shmulker fired a shot into the back of the net to give the Engineers a 1-0 lead.

Union responded less than a minute later as Blake capitalized on a feed from fellow first-year Diogo Charraz to even the score at one.

The Garnet Chargers nearly took the lead moments later when sophomore Grant Della Rocca fired a low strike toward goal, but Rensselaer goalkeeper Noah Churchill turned aside the attempt. The Engineers also pressed for a late winner, recording three more shots, but Union's defense held strong to preserve the draw.

Rensselaer edged Union in shots, 8-5, on the afternoon. Senior goalkeeper Jacob Perry played all 90 minutes and made three saves.

Union continues Liberty League play on Wednesday, hosting Vassar College at 7:00 p.m. at College Park Field.