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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The potent Christopher Newport offense was held in check for the first time this season as Methodist University (5-0-1) managed to hold the 11th-ranked Captains (5-1-1) to just one goal. The Monarchs answered with one and the two teams would play to a 1-1 draw after 110 minutes of action, forced to settle for the tie. 

Opportunities going at goal were plentiful all night for the Captains, but the offense, ranked 19th in the nation in scoring coming into the game, was unable to cash in for the most part. It didn't look like the stingy Methodist defense was going to be able to hold back the Captains attack, when junior Ryan Balfour connected for the first goal of the match just six minutes into the game. 

The goal was the fourth shot in the match as the CNU offense came off the opening whistle aggressively attacking the Monarchs defense. Senior scoring leader Jalon Brown set up Balfour's second goal of the season, picking up his second assist. At the top of the box, Brown evaded one defender before slipping a short pass to Balfour on the left side. The third-year forward wasted no time and smashed a hard line drive into the low left corner. 

The Captains dominated the first half possession, outshooting Methodist, 10-2, including six shots on-goal. Outside of the first goal allowed, though, rookie goalkeeper Alex Rabone was up to the task for the Monarchs. 

With the score holding at 1-0, the visitor's would draw even early in the second half off a set piece. Ten minutes into the frame, a foul was called on the Captains about 30 yards out on the right side of the field. With a free kick, junior forward Eirik Nordseth would arc a long shot into the upper ninety on the left side for the equalizer. 

The score knotted, both teams had opportunities in the final 35 minutes of regulation. In a two and a half minute stretch with less than 30 minutes left, both teams would miss wide of net on huge chances. First, Nordseth was free on the left side when he put a shot just feet shy of the right post. Then, minutes later, CNU junior Garrett Van Nutt made a terrific run up the middle, was delivered a pass in the box, but his sliding shot went wide right. 

CNU had just three shots on-goal after halftime, including one in each overtime period. The Captains defense was strong, giving up just two shots on-goal all night, and holding the Monarchs to seven total shots. The offense would never convert on a second goal, however, and Methodist remained unbeaten through their first six games of the season. 

The 11th-ranked Captains will next host 2013 NCAA National Runner-Up Rutgers-Camden on Saturday, September 20 at 7:00 pm.