Sept. 5, 2008

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's and Drexel battled to a 0-0 tie in men's soccer action this evening at Vidas Field. It was the season opener for the Hawks, while Drexel is now 2-0-1.

Saint Joseph's senior goalkeeper Bryan Benedict made 10 saves to earn the shutout, including three key saves in the overtime periods to preserve the tie.

The Dragons outshot the Hawks, 18-6, in regulation, but the game was much closer in the two extra periods, despite the Hawks playing in a man down situation for almost 40 minutes after Rocco Pozzessere picked up a pair of yellow cards. Drexel's Carlos Ruthner had a good scoring chance early in the overtime period but was thwarted by Benedict.

The Hawks answered that chance just minutes later, but Colin Baker's scoring attempt was blocked by a Dragon defender. With just under six minutes to play in the first overtime, Drexel had the best scoring opportunity of the game as Anthony Bafile broke in on the right side and went for the far corner high. His shot was saved by a sprawling Benedict.

Each team fired three shots in the first overtime period and the Dragons had the only shot in the second overtime period, but Benedict came up with another save. Drexel's Cory Robertson was tested three times and came up with three saves as he recorded his first shutout of the year.

The Hawks return to action on September 9 when they travel to Delaware.