Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green State University
FIU
Falcons Post Lucky Thirteenth Opening Day Shutout at Florida International
September 01, 2007 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 31, 2007
MIAMI - Bowling Green State University junior goalkeeper Paul Shoemaker recorded four saves on nine shots as the Falcons (0-0-1) pushed host Florida International (0-0-1) to double-overtime before the season opener was decided a scoreless stalemate.
The shutout was the second in Shoemakers career; his other was also on the road as BGSU beat Detroit 3-0 in Michigan on October 2, 2006.
"Paul was outstanding tonight," said fourth year head coach Fred Thompson. "There were a few shots taken that did not worry me, but then again there were three very dangerous ones that could have changed the game.
"What a start for [first-year assistant coach] Ken [White]. He has worked primarily with the keepers and Paul delivered a tremendous performance."
Of the three `dangerous' plays, FIU attempted strong scoring efforts to end each half and once again in the first overtime period. The biggest nail-bitter came as FIU appeared to have the open net, but Shoemaker's 6-1 frame stretched to glove the save and keep the deadlock intact.
"As a team, our goal was to hold FIU scoreless, no matter the outcome," said Thompson. The goal, though it may sound simple enough, was dependant upon the play of a pair of freshman defenders and five sophomore teammates in the starting line-up.
"Dusko [Topolic] and [Thomas] McLean were very solid in the back for us tonight," said Thompson. "They still need to get used to each other and the pace of the game, but they still gave a presence to the defense."
The presence of the Falcons' defense was not only shown as the Golden Panthers were held to four combined shots in the first period and both overtime periods, but also as they laid many a body on the opposition leading to 14 fouls.
"There was a lot of good soccer played tonight. Both teams played with emotion and energy. The adrenaline on the field furthered the physical play between both teams and towards the end it was apparent neither wanted to lose."
While the BGSU defense stole tonight's spotlight, the attack was also on display as seven Falcons recorded one or more shots.
"I felt we controlled the first-half, but the second resembled more of a `run-and-gun' basketball game than a soccer game. Both were teams constantly within striking distance," said Thompson.
In the second half, the Falcons fired nine shots at FIU keeper Kyle Thomas while the Golden Panthers battled back with five of their own.
The Orange and Brown will remain in Miami through Sunday and will next face Florida Atlantic University. The Owls will enter the match at 0-1-0 after suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the University of Missouri-Kansas earlier Friday night. The afternoon kick-off between the Falcons and the Owls is set for 1:00 p.m. at FAU Soccer Field.
FALCON POST-GAME NOTES OF INTEREST
Opening Day Shutouts For the Falcons (13)
9-26-70 at Dayton (3-0)
9-28-74 Kent State (7-0)
9-17-76 Wisconsin 1-0
9-22-78 Kent State (3-0)
9-17-80 at Toledo (7-0)
9-9-81 at Findlay (10-0)
9-2-89 at Central Michigan (0-0, OT)
9-2-90 vs. Syracuse (2-0)
9-4-93 DePaul (2-0)
9-2-95 vs. New Hampshire (2-0)
8-30-97 vs. St. Bonaventure (2-0)
8-30-03 Cincinnati (0-0, 2OT)
9-31-07 at Florida International (0-0, 2 OT)
Opening Day Shutouts Against the Falcons (5)
9-17-77 UW-Milwaukee (0-2)
9-9-01 at Ohio State (0-4)
9-1-04 Michigan State (0-3)
9-3-05 vs. Sacred Heart (0-1)
9-31-07 at Florida International (0-0, 2 OT)
Opening Day Shutout Ties (7)
9-14-79 vs. West Virgina (2-2)
9-2-89 at Central Michigan (0-0)
9-7-91 vs. Fairleigh Dickson (1-1)
9-5-92 vs. UW-Milwaukee (1-1)
8-31-96 Memphis (1-1)
8-30-03 Cincinnati (0-0)
9-31-07 at Florida International (0-0)
