LEWISTON, ME – The Tufts Men's Soccer team tied with the Bates Bobcats by a score of 0-0 on Saturday afternoon. Each team had lots of opportunities to score throughout the match, but the defenses and goalkeepers were up to the task and stood tall.
The Jumbos were shut down in the first half offensively, as they only got one shot, which came from
Zach Seigelstein in the tenth minute. The shot came after a foul on Bates set up the opportunity. Seigelstein, who has been one of the Jumbos' most consistent offensive weapons throughout the season thus far, was able to get to scoring range but not finish, as Bobcats goalie Nico Hessel made the save to stop the Jumbos' best scoring chance of the half.
Conversely, the Bobcats only got off three shots of their own in the first half. The Jumbos' defense, led by
Alex Wall,
Max Clivio,
Ian Daly, and
Gibson Campbell, played a strong game, shutting down and thwarting every opportunity the Bobcats started. Goalkeeper
Erik Lauta was also terrific once again.
In the second half, the offense began to pick up for both sides. The Bobcats' greatest opportunity came off of a fast break, when it appeared that they would inevitably put themselves ahead 1-0 late in the game. However, Lauta came out of the net and sprawled out to save the Jumbos in the 69th minute, keeping the game scoreless.
The Jumbos had several chances to score in the second half themselves. In the 71st minute,
Daniel Yanez sent a beautiful corner kick cross to the front of the net. The ball bounced off of a few different heads in the box, and Hessel was able to deflect the ball from going in. The Jumbos were able to get another shot off after the Hessel deflection, but the ball went wide.
The game remained scoreless and got increasingly physical throughout the second half. Both teams received yellow cards after some scrappy play, showing their willingness to lay their bodies on the line and refusing to back down.
In the final minute of the game, the Jumbos' last chance came on a free kick from midfield. Goalkeeper
Erik Lauta took the kick for Tufts, sending a perfect cross into the right side of the Bobcats' box.
Alex Wall was able to get a head on the ball, sending it into the direction of the net, but Hessel came up clutch again, wrapping it up and ending the game.
The Jumbos led the game in shots (13-8) and fouls (18-13). Bates led in corner kicks (6-5) and saves (6-3). Each team also had two yellow cards in the game.
The Jumbos (5-2-5, 2-2-4 NESCAC) play again tomorrow in Maine, as they take on UMaine Farmington in search of a win. Bates (5-4-3, 1-4-3 NESCAC) play next on Monday, as they'll take on Endicott in Beverly, MA.
Written by Daniel Pierce, Athletic Communications Intern
