Kansas City
Western Illinois
UMKC, Western Illinois Battle To 0-0 Draw
10/13/2007 6:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Kansas City, Mo. - In a rematch of the 2006 postseason tournament championship, UMKC controlled much of the run of play against Western Illinois, but couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. The Kangaroos generated seven shots on frame and four more just outside of the goal, but the game ended at a 0-0 deadlock.
The teams had fairly even possession throughout the opening fifteen minutes, but neither team could generate an honest chance on goal.
Ali Dorri had the only shot on goal of the first half, with a free kick in the 27th minute. He put his shot over the Western Illinois wall, but Charlie Sales was able to make the grab.
As the half wound down, the play started to get a bit chippy, as Chris Markey and Brian Harris both were shown yellow cards, but the teams went into the half deadlocked at 0-0. The Kangaroos were whistled for 11 fouls in the half to just five for Western Illinois.
Coming out of the break, UMKC controlled the possession, creating a dangerous chance in the 53rd minute.
Matt Kopsky beat his defender just off the endline on the right wing, crossing the ball into the center. Brian Harris nodded the cross toward goal, but the WIU netminder was able to push the ball up and off the crossbar. Harris tried to put his rebound back in as Sales bobbled the ball, but was whistled for contact.
Garret Guthrie nearly tallied for the Kangaroos in the 57th, but his flick was collected by Sales.
Western Illinois finally recorded its first shot on goal in the 73rd minute, but Ken Cooper easily collected the effort.
Brian Harris looked to have a golden chance to end the game in regulation, racing on to collect the ball as Chris Markey deflected a Leatherneck cross, but a strong shoulder-to-shoulder challenge by the Western Illinois defender kept the score 0-0.
Western Illinois controlled the first extra frame, keeping the ball in the UMKC half for the better part of the first seven minutes, but couldn't put together a chance.
As the second stanza of overtime began, the Kangaroos earned a free kick in the 101st minute, as Preston Bernardi brought down Brian Harris 20 yards from goal - earning a yellow card - but Dorri's effort was just wide to the left, glancing off the post.
Dorri would have another chance just 90 seconds later, as Phil Duret earned a yellow for a foul inches outside the penalty area, but the free kick would sail harmlessly high.
Cooper recorded the shutout for UMKC, making just two saves in the match as the Kangaroos moved to 5-5-2 on the season. Sales was also credited with a shutout on the afternoon.
The Kangaroos are back in action on Wednesday night, traveling to Des Moines, Iowa to take on the Drake Bulldogs. The match is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Drake Stadium.
