Jack Shearer was called for a handball, which led to Xavier’s equalizer. (Photo courtesy of St. John’s SID)

CINCINNATI — The St. John’s University men scored first, but could not hold onto the lead and settled for a 1-1 Big East draw with unbeaten Xavier University at the XU Soccer Complex Friday night.

Skage Simonsen registered the Red Storm’s lone goal, scoring in the 11th minute off a pass from Matt Forster. The tally marked Simonsen’s third of the year while Forster’s assist increased his team-leading point total to 10.

Xavier (3-0-4, 1-0-1) knotted the game at 1-1 in the 44th minute, drawing a penalty kick on Jack Shearer handball just inside the 18-yard box. Goalkeeper Lenny Wilson saved the initial attempt by Simen Hestnes, but the rebound fell to a waiting Tomek Pauer, who stuffed it home.

Wilson put forth another solid effort for St. John’s (4-3-1, 1-0-1), making four saves.

The Red Storm hosts to Mount St. Mary’s at Belson Stadium Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.