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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

men's soccer seniors 2011
Embry-Riddle Sports Information

No. 21 Eagles and No. 17 Saints Battle to 0-0 Draw on Senior Night

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L-R: Asst. Coach John Haworth, Michael Donald, Matthias Klatt, Tanapat Somprasong and Head Coach Dave Gregson.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The NAIA No. 21 Embry-Riddle Eagles wrapped up their 2011 regular season slate with a 0-0 draw with NCAA II No. 17 Flagler on Saturday night. ERAU moved to 11-4-2 overall while the Saints go to 12-3-2.

The Blue and Gold had the first chance to draw blood when senior Michael Donald carried the ball from his defensive end into the Flagler penalty box, his shot was saved by the Saints' Camp Bissell, the first of nine saves on the night.

Flagler had continual opportunities in the beginning stages of the contest off several corner kicks, but Eagle keeper Nils Carlson and his defenders blanked the visitors again and again.

Carlson made a fantastic save in the 28th minute when FC's Dan Reid ripped a shot at the freshman keeper. Carlson pushed the shot over the crossbar to keep the 0-0 deadlock intact.

Bissell made two nice saves in a row in the 31st minute, stopping Kamil Balcerzak's shot before Nicklas Petersson collected the rebound and attempted to put the ball past Bissell. Bissell again kept the Eagles scoreless by swatting the ball to the side.

The first half of play saw both teams play fairly conservatively, with only three shots on goal for ERAU and two for the Saints, but the final 45 minutes opened up for both teams, leading to several chances to break the tie.

Sam Fairhurst had the best Eagle shot of the night when he received a pass from Ally MacDonald just inside the Flagler penalty box and was able to sneak the ball by Bissell, but the shot found the far post before being cleared by the Saints' defense in the 61st minute of play.

The last chance during regulation for the Saints came at the 88:33 mark when Pol Berenguer got past the entire Eagle defense and had nobody except Carlson in front of him. Berenguer's shot went wide right, ending any hope for the game to end in regulation.

In both sets of overtime, the Eagles had the better chances, but failed to put any away, striking for four total shots in the extra time, equalling Flagler's four shots in OT.

The game ended after 110 minutes of play, giving both squads their second draw of the year.

The Eagles outshot the visitors, 25-20, while Bissell came up with nine saves to Carlson's six. The Saints held a distinct 13-5 advantage in corner kicks, while the fouls were 16-13 in favor of ERAU.

Carlson notched his eighth shutout of the season, just one shy of Viktor Bergstrand's nine in 2009.

At halftime the three Eagle seniors were honored for their service to the men's soccer program. Matthias Klatt, Tanapat Somprasong and Donald were recognized in their final regular season match of their careers.

The Eagles will wait to see where they end up in The Sun Conference tournament. ERAU can finish no lower than second, but have a chance to secure the No. 1 seed for the upcoming tournament. Embry-Riddle is guaranteed a bye into the semifinals, and will play on Nov. 11.
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