Siena Men's Soccer battled Niagara to a scoreless draw Wednesday night in Niagara University, NY, with the Saints standing firm defensively to earn a point in conference play.
The Saints moved to 2-5-3 overall and 0-1-2 in conference play, while Niagara now sits at 1-4-3 overall and 0-1-2 in league action.
Senior goalkeeper
Bennet Glinder anchored the Siena defense with four saves across 90 minutes, recording the 17th shutout of his career to tie the all-time program record.
Lucas Almeida led the Saints offensively with three shots, putting two on frame.
Siena controlled stretches of the opening half and generated several of the game's early attacking opportunities. The Saints earned a corner in the sixth minute before
Antonio Vicente and Almeida each registered an attempt. Another Siena corner followed in the 11th minute.
Almeida continued to threaten later in the half, putting two shots on target that Niagara goalkeeper Grant Wyles turned aside.
Alejandro Perez Jorda also added a chance as Siena continued to search for the breakthrough.
Niagara generated its best opportunity of the opening half in the 27th minute, but Glinder denied David Silva to keep the match scoreless. The teams remained deadlocked through halftime.
The Purple Eagles applied increased pressure after the break, forcing Glinder into three saves in the second half.
Niagara created a sustained stretch of pressure from 51:42 to 61:21, producing multiple shots and two corner kicks. Glinder came through with saves in the 52nd and 62nd minutes to keep Siena level.
The Saints responded with an attacking spell of their own from 62:08 to 71:00, with
Lee Mara,
Oscar Dean and Almeida all recording attempts. Dean's shot in the 70th minute forced another save from Wyles.
Niagara again pushed forward late, generating two corners and two shots during a stretch from 74:03 to 78:48. Siena's defense held firm, and Glinder made another save in the 75th minute as the Saints preserved the clean sheet.
Neither side could find the decisive goal over the final 10 minutes, sending the match to a 0-0 final.
Siena returns to action Saturday, Oct. 3, hosting Saint Peter's at 3 p.m. at Hickey Field in Loudonville.
