CLAREMORE, Oklahoma – Behind a standout performance from goalkeeper Isaac Murie and a determined defensive effort, the Ouachita men's soccer team battled No. 25 Rogers State to a 0-0 draw Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers moved to 8-7-2 overall and 5-6-1 in conference play, while the Hillcats improved to 9-4-5 overall and 5-3-4 in league action.
Murie anchored the Ouachita defense throughout the contest, recording a season-high 12 saves while playing all 90 minutes to preserve the shutout. The Tigers also registered a team save to keep Rogers State off the scoreboard despite facing 29 shots.
Rogers State applied pressure early in the opening half, but Murie was up to the challenge. The Ouachita goalkeeper turned away a pair of attempts in the opening 13 minutes before making additional stops in the 24th, 29th, 38th and 40th minutes.
Ouachita generated opportunities of its own in the first half, beginning with blocked attempts from Andrew Castellanos and Philip Bolk. Eric Godoy added a shot in the 42nd minute before Emanuel Castillo put the Tigers' first attempt on target in the 43rd minute, forcing a save from Rogers State's goalkeeper.
The teams entered halftime deadlocked at 0-0, with Rogers State holding a 10-4 advantage in shots.
The Hillcats increased their offensive pressure after the break, firing 19 second-half shots. Murie continued his strong performance, making back-to-back saves in the 48th minute to keep the contest scoreless.
Ouachita's defense remained resilient as Rogers State continued to create scoring opportunities throughout the second half. Murie turned away additional attempts in the 75th and 79th minutes before the Tigers faced another late surge from the Hillcats.
Offensively, Ouachita looked to break the deadlock in the closing minutes. Castillo sent an attempt wide in the 78th minute before Cody Tice provided the Tigers with their best late opportunities.
Tice forced the keeper into a save in the 82nd minute and followed with another shot on goal in the 87th minute, but the Rogers State goalkeeper denied both attempts.
Rogers State finished with a 29-7 advantage in total shots, including a 13-3 edge in shots on goal.
Tice and Castillo led the Ouachita offense with two shots each. Tice placed both of his attempts on goal, while Castillo recorded one shot on target. Bolk, Castellanos and Godoy each added one attempt for the Tigers.
Murie's 12 saves highlighted the afternoon as the Tigers earned a point on the road against a Rogers State squad that entered the match with just four losses on the season.
