Lehigh University
American
Mountain Hawks play to 0-0 draw with American
10/24/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Lehigh men’s soccer team and American battled to a 0-0 tie on a rainy Saturday afternoon after both teams failed to put a goal on the board after 110 minutes of action. The Eagles were able to get 11 shots on goal, but the Mountain Hawk defense including junior keeper Jonathan Nydell were up to the challenge. With the tie Lehigh is now 7-5-3 on the season and has a 2-2-1 record in the Patriot League. American (4-0-1) suffers its first blemish in league play. The Mountain Hawks are now unbeaten in their last three contests (2-0-1).
“The conditions today really made it hard for both teams to play soccer,” head coach Dean Koski said. “It turned the game into a territorial battle as the field conditions worsened. One mistake on either side could have resulted in a goal.”
At the end of regulation American was narrowly out shooting Lehigh 17-15. The two teams combined could only muster up four more total shots as the game ended without a score.
“We had a couple of chances, but we couldn’t capitalize,” Koski said. “Adam Welch got the ball at his feet in the box and came within inches of scoring. Their goalkeeper made several good saves and did a good job limiting our opportunities.”
The Eagles won the shot battle and finished the game with 20 compared to Lehigh’s 16. Nydell came up big for the Mountain Hawks in several instances and finished with seven saves, including one in the first overtime.
“The defense was good for most of the game and really helped backup Jonathan,” Koski said. “Jordie Ciuffetelli cleared at least three balls that were on the line. Jon made some big saves when we needed him to and overall the whole backline did a good job managing the ball against a good attacking team.”
The Mountain Hawks were able to pick up four out of a possible six points in their last two road games and Koski is pleased with how his team has played.
“Getting three points today would’ve been better, but to be on the road against the top team in the league and pick up a point is good. We will take the tie and a look forward to our next game against Army.”
He continued, “We have played well since we made some changes and we have been satisfied with the results. We're looking ahead, but until we get into the playoffs we will not be satisfied.”
Lehigh will return action next Friday in its final home game of the season against Army at 7 p.m.
