Air Force Academy
Gonzaga
No. 20 Air Force Plays Gonzaga to a Draw
9/22/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
SPOKANE, Wash. – Air Force, ranked 20th in the nation, came up short of a game-winning goal against Gonzaga, playing to its first tie of the season, Friday evening at Luger Field, Spokane, Wash. The Falcons are now 6-1-1 on the season as they prepare to head into conference play next weekend.
Air Force controlled the possessions and had several opportunities on the goal in the first half, but the staunch Gonzaga defense was able to fend off the Falcons' attack. The defensive clinic continued into the second half as the regulation horn sounded with both teams at zero.
The Falcons outshot the Bulldogs in all four periods of the match, registering 16 total shots to the Bulldogs' 10, with five shots on frame to Gonzaga's two. Air Force has outshot every opponent this season. Danny Han and Jaric Marton led Air Force with four shots apiece.
"I thought the team played really well," said head coach Doug Hill. "The strength of this team is shutouts, they are very important to our guys. Holding them to zero was an objective we set for ourselves and we're happy that we got that done against a solid opponent."
Senior goalkeeper John Wendt recorded two saves and his fourth shutout of the season. The tie at nil marks the Falcons fourth-straight shutout; they have six shutouts in seven wins this season.
"It was a well-played match, a lot of back-and-forth action," continued Hill. "We had a few good opportunities to score early but we just weren't able to close the door on those first-half scoring opportunities."
Air Force returns to action at home next weekend as the Falcons host conference foe, Incarnate Word, Friday, Sept. 29, at 7:00 p.m. MT. Live stats and a live stream will be available for the match
