NEWTON, Mass. - Colgate and Boston College ended in a scoreless draw Thursday night at the Newton Soccer Complex.
Despite Boston College's 28 shots, Colgate's defense, anchored by a standout performance from Ella Poppinga with 12 saves, held firm. Both teams were unable to capitalize, resulting in a stalemate.
COACH HOKANSON'S COMMENTS
"I told the team before the start of the game that the result aside, I wanted to get back on the bus proud of our effort and performance. I can confidently say that we are coming home very proud of the whole team and their effort tonight.
"Front to back we defended hard and for each other, blocking a lot of shots and crosses and disrupting play. We really epitomized a bend don't break mentality tonight. BC's front 3 are a handful and I felt as though our backs, goalkeeper, and midfielders did a great collective job to make their lives as tough as possible. I also felt like we created some great chances in both halves and could have potentially found a goal ourselves, which is a great credit to our attacking players for finding moments too. All in all, just a very proud staff and excited to come home with a well-earned shutout."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Early in the match, Ari Bezanson attempted the first shot for Colgate, but it went out to the right.
- Poppinga made a crucial save at the eight minute mark, stopping a shot from Ashley Roberts aimed at the bottom center.
- The Raiders earned a corner kick in the 14th minute but couldn't convert it into a scoring opportunity.
- Sophie Reale's shot in the 23rd minute was saved by Poppinga, marking her second key save of the period.
- Colgate's Bianca Howitt took a shot in the 17th minute, but it went out top left, keeping the score tied at 0-0.
- Poppinga made another massive stop, denying Emily Mara's shot aimed at the bottom center.
- Bezanson's attempt in the second half was saved by Olivia Shippee, maintaining the deadlock early in the period.
- The Raiders' defense held strong as Poppinga saved multiple shots from Reale, including a critical save in the 52nd minute.
- The period saw high defensive pressure from both sides, with Poppinga making a series of saves, including a bottom center attempt by Milla Lee just before the final whistle, securing the scoreless draw for Colgate.
GAME NOTES
- Ella Poppinga made a career-high 12 saves and faced 28 shots.
- The 0-0 draw is the first draw between these two teams in series history.
- Colgate's draw against Boston College is the first draw or better against an ACC opponent since Sept. 9, 2018. (Colgate defeated Syracuse, 3-1)
UP NEXT
The Raiders (1-2-3) stay on the road to take on Binghamton in Vestal, N.Y. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday.
