KEENE, N.H. – The Plymouth State University men's soccer team fought to a 0-0 draw against the top seeded Keene State College Owls in a Little East Conference (LEC) matchup at Dr. Ron Butcher Field Wednesday evening.
The Panthers were held to a handful of scoring opportunities, but a strong defensive showing gave Plymouth State a well-deserved point as the team recorded its first shutout of the season and remained undefeated on the road (2-0-3) this year.
Senior
Aiden Doyle (Barrington, R.I.) delivered two of the team's five shots, including what almost turned into the game winner in the closing moments; a shot off a corner that was blocked in front of goal. Freshman
Kole Matta (Castleton, Vt.) put forth a strong effort, making six saves in the contest.
Plymouth State holds a record of 3-3-4 (0-3-2 LEC), as Keene State sits at 7-3-2 (4-0-2 LEC) on the season.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 0, Keene State 0
- Plymouth State (3-3-4, 0-3-2 LEC)
- Keene State (7-3-2, 4-0-2 LEC)
How it Happened:
- The energy level started high as the teams jostled for position in the opening fifteen minutes. The Panthers stifled any attempts for Keene State to get in on goal as both teams recorded only one shot each.
- Keene State started to apply pressure in the closing minutes of the first half, peppering the Panther goal, but Plymouth State held strong – keeping the game scoreless into halftime.
- Plymouth State remained comfortable keeping the Owls at bay, relinquishing possession for strong defensive shape, stymieing any potential scoring opportunities from its opponent.
- The Panthers had a good chance to breakthrough in the 75th minute, but the Owl goalkeeper was up to the task.
- PSU had another opportunity off a corner in the 85th minute. A shot looked bound for the goal but was blocked off the line.
- Pressure mounted in the final ten minutes as Keene State made every attempt to put one away and walk off with three points, but the "Green Shield" held strong, earning an important point for the Panthers.
By the Numbers:
- KSC outshot the Panthers 23-7 in the contest.
- The Panthers recorded four corner kicks to Keene State's six.
- Shots on goal were in the Owls' favor, 6-4.
- Nine combined saves were made by the two goalkeepers.
- PSU remains undefeated on the road this season (2-0-3).
- This was the first result for the Panthers against Keene State since a 2-1 2OT victory in the 2017 season.
- It was the first tie on record in 37 meetings between the two rivals dating back to 1986.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State will continue LEC play on Saturday (Oct. 11) as the team returns home to face the visiting Eastern Connecticut State University Warriors. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Arold Field.
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