NYU men’s soccer tied the University of Rochester on Saturday at Gaelic Park, after a back-and-forth match that left both teams scoreless. This was the second University
Athletic Association conference match for both sides.
“We’ll grow from this shutout,” head coach Joe Behan said. “It was a great shutout against a UAA powerhouse.”
This outcome leaves the Violets ranked sixth followed by Carnegie Mellon.
“We came out hungrier after the last game,” said senior forward Kyle Green.
Green clarified that the team’s loss to New Jersey City University last Wednesday had no negative effects on their confidence. The 2-1 loss had broken the Violets’ undefeated streak of nine games.
The University of Rochester Yellowjackets’ match against the Brandeis University Judges last week also ended in a draw. The Judges had previously held a perfect record.
The usually impenetrable back line of junior defenders Tino Kardassis, Danny Weisbaum and Juan Velez remained strong, as the only close chances for Rochester came from set pieces.
Senior goalie Jonas Poster’s saves were pivotal in keeping a clean sheet. In the 70th minute, Rochester was awarded a free kick. Poster dove to his right and made the save.
“We practice that a lot,” Poster said. “The whole week of practice shows in this game. We knew they were going to try set pieces.”
Green, who leads the team with nine goals this season, said Rochester’s stingent defense attributed to the offense’s inability to score. NYU was missing offensive pressure and key connections in the midfield.
“We missed Nimo today,” Green said, referring to sophomore midfielder Nimo Bergstroem, who usually provides through balls and offensive chemistry. Bergstroem was unable to play due to an injury.
“In terms of the shutout, it was a win for the defense,” Poster said.
Men’s soccer returns to the pitch for another UAA match against Washington University in St. Louis at 8 p.m. CST on Oct. 12 in St. Louis, Mo.
A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Oct.8 print edition. Francisco Navas is a contributing writer. Email him at [email protected].