Written by Alex Kushel

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Northwood University men's soccer team played a hard-fought game on the road against a nationally ranked opponent and played to a 1-1 tie against No. 5 ranked Thomas(Ga.) University on Sunday. 

The Seahawks moved their record to 5-3-2 overall and 3-1-2 in the Sun Conference.

Thomas(Ga.) is at 11-1-4 overall and 6-1-2 in conference play.

The Seahawks took the lead in the first half and had a 1-0 advantage at halftime. 

Sami Lahtinen scored on a free kick goal at the 37:33 mark of the first half to give the Seahawks the go-ahead goal. 

Thomas(Ga.) tied the score in the second half at the 76:26 mark as Juan Figueroa scored on a penalty kick to force overtime. 

The Seahawks offense dominated play and registered 25 shots while Thomas(Ga.) had seven shots. 

The Seahawks had several quality chances to score and missed a penalty kick as well in the contest. 

Goalkeeper Mark Dawson made two saves in net during the contest. 

"We came out very well," Seahawks men's soccer coach Joe Zakowicz said. " Our mentality was a complete turnaround from the SCAD game.  The boys knew we needed a great performance. I was proud of their efforts and the ability they showed in putting the last game behind us.  Several players stepped up. Sami Lahtinen hit his best stride and scored a fantastic free kick.  We were the team dictating the flow, the pace, and the control on the match. While we always play for the win, we can live with a draw away to the number five team in the country and had a strong bounce back after our loss to SCAD."

The Seahawks will head on the road again to face St. Thomas(Fla.) in a Sun Conference matchup  on Wednesday, October 22 at 4 p.m.