No. 11 Saint Louis University and No. 3 Northwestern played 110 minutes of scoreless soccer on Tuesday, Sept. 30, putting the unbeaten Bills at 4-0-4 on the season.
Head coach Dan Donigan said he was not disappointed with the result.
“This tie means we still have zero losses,” Donigan said. “I don’t like accumulating ties, but they’re better than losses. We found ways to win four, but I don’t want to find out ways to lose.”
Northwestern, a team that posted eight shutouts and only one goal against prior to Tuesday’s match, held the Billiken offense to zero shots in the first half. It was Northwestern that struck first with a shot near the end of the first half.
Although the Bills had four shots in the second half, none was on goal, and Northwestern goalkeeper Misha Rosenthal did not have to make a save in the 110 minutes of play.
SLU’s best chance to put the game away came with one minute remaining in the second overtime. Senior Brandon Barklage poked a ball to senior Dado Hamzagic racing down the right side for a break away, but Hamzagic’s shot sailed just wide of the goal.
Senior goalkeeper Pat Disbennett made three saves on the night, including a quick diving save near the end of regulation to keep the game scoreless.
“They pressured us,” Disbennett said. “They have quality forwards who play combinations, and they got by us a couple of time. Luckily, we weathered the storm and got through it.
“The game could have gone either way. We are good defensively, and we need to take advantage of these games against ranked opponents and get some wins.”
Defensively, SLU backs Calum Angus, Tim Ream, Rob Viviano and Alex Johnston contained Northwestern’s offense, which was characterized by quick counterattacks and pinpointed looks to forwards.
SLU’s homestand continues this weekend with Creighton, its second consecutive match against a top-10 ranked opponent. Last time the two teams collided in an exhibition match in 2005, the Bills came out on top, 1-0.
“Now we have to turn around and face a physical and athletic team this weekend; we have to be ready,” Donigan said.
