The AU men’s soccer team opened a two-game road trip with a 0-0 double overtime tie Sept. 13 against the University of Hartford thanks to defense and goalkeeping.
The two teams played to a tie despite the Hawks (3-0-2, 0-0-0 America East) having more shots and corners than the Eagles (1-2-2, 0-0 PL).
“Hartford is a very good team; very athletic, head coach Todd West told AUEagles.com. “This is a good, new starting point for us now after our first shutout of the season, on the road, against an undefeated opponent.”
Leading the AU defense was senior goalkeeper Billy Knutsen with four saves and a shutout his first of the season. The defense was able to survive 14 total shots by the Hawks, while taking seven of their own.
The Hawks also had six corner kicks to AU’s zero, but Hartford was unable to convert any of its chances.
The match was hard fought and not without physicality. Hartford received five yellow cards and 23 fouls while AU had two yellow cards and 21 fouls. In the first overtime Simms received his second yellow card of the game, resulting in an ejection.
The Eagles could not find a way to score despite Hartford being down for the remainder of the game
The tie was crucial for morale as the Eagles head to Longwood Sept. 17 for the second straight game of the road trip. Following Longwood, the Eagles open with three consecutive home matches including the first Patriot League matchup of the year against Lehigh on Sept. 28.
sports@theeagleonline.com
