Falcons, Vikings Play to Nil-Nil Draw

Wednesday, August 26

Cleveland, Ohio

7:00 PM

Bowling Green State University

Cleveland State (Exh.)

Lineups Dusko Topolic Garrett Bireline Jeff Smoker Jacob Lawrence

Smoker makes two saves in complete-match shutout

August 26, 2009 | Men's Soccer

By: CLEVELAND, Ohio (BGSU Athletic Communications)

The Bowling Green State University men's soccer team battled host Cleveland State University to a scoreless draw on Wednesday night (Aug. 26). The match, an exhibition contest, was held at Krenzler Field in downtown Cleveland.

BGSU 0, CLEVELAND STATE 0 - Final Stats
BGSU 0, CLEVELAND STATE 0 - PDF Boxscore

Wednesday marked the second consecutive 0-0 tie in as many matches for first-year head coach Eric Nichols and the Falcons. On Saturday (Aug. 22), BGSU and Ohio Wesleyan played to a 0-0 tie at Cochrane Field.

Just as on Saturday, the teams did not play overtime.

At CSU, BGSU held a 14-9 advantage in total shots, and the Falcons had six shots on goal to the Vikings' two. But, the 'keepers at each end of the pitch were up to the task.

For the Falcons, redshirt freshman Jeff Smoker played all 90 minutes in goal, making two saves. Nick Harpel and Brad Stuver each played one half for the home team, with each CSU 'keeper making three saves.

"We are pleased, because we have made some progress since the Ohio Wesleyan game," said Nichols. "It is definitely good to get another shutout. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are making progress. All in all, we are fairly pleased with tonight's result."

The Falcons now turn their attention to the regular-season opener. BGSU will host Marshall University in a Tuesday matinee (Sept. 1) at Cochrane Field. That match is set to begin at 1:00 p.m.