(September 23, 2008 - Ann Arbor, MI) -- Playing their most inspired game of the season, the Concordia women's soccer team used stifling defense and improved on-field communication to gain a tie with conference foe Siena Heights, their second consecutive 0-0 tie after finishing with an identical score on Saturday againt Indiana Tech. However, since Concordia starting the soccer program in 1995, Siena Heights had won all 23 games against the Cards, so today's effort is another positive first-step for the continuously improving program.
Early on, Siena Heights had Concordia playing on their heels as the home team spent most of the first half on the defensive. However, the Cardinal defenders did their job by limiting the Saints to only a few quality scoring chances. The best opportunity for Siena Heights came with just over two minutes to play in the first half on a high arching shot by freshman Maria Butler. However, Concordia goalkeeper Kelly Wurzell (Sr.-Lambertville, MI) made a one handed leaping save to deny the Saints forward. The half would end with the Cardinals losing the shots on goal battle 7-3.
The story of the game continued to be the Cardinal defense in the second half. Once again Siena Heights seemed to be on the verge of scoring several times only to be thwarted by the stingy Concordia defense. No player was more impressive than Cardinal junior Amy Zuccarell (Ottawa Lake, MI). The tall, lanky defender used her superior height to stop several corner kicks from reaching the net.
Wurzell would once again come up big with a save at the 82:13 mark of the game to ensure that regulation would end with both teams scoreless.
The two overtime periods proved to be much of the same for both teams; Siena Heights on the attack and Concordia playing solid defense. After one more outstanding Wurzell save with 1:30 left in the second overtime, both teams would eventually settle for the tie.
Kelly Wurzell made 15 total saves for the game, while the Saints keeper, Haley Mancini, stopped three shots on goal.
The game marked the 17th career shutout for Wurzell and fourth of the season. The Cardinal keeper is now only one shutout shy of tying her season shutout record that she has held since 2005.
Concordia will look to improve on their solid performance when they meet up with Cornerstone (5-3, 2-1) next Tuesday at Rummel Field. The Cardinals were 0-1-1 a year ago against the Golden Eagles, playing to a double overtime tie in the series finale.