The Basics
Score: Roanoke 0 | Bridgewater 0

Records: Maroons 0-0-1 / 0-0-1 ODAC | Eagles 0-0-1 / 0-0-1 ODAC
Location: Salem, Va.

The Lead: Sunday was the opening of the 2020-21 Roanoke College men's soccer season. The Maroons played host to Bridgewater College in both teams season and Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) opener. Roanoke had several good scoring chances early but could not convert as RC held a 12-1 shot advantage at the half. Roanoke continued to apply pressure but each time the Eagles were up to the task. After regulation and a pair of 10 minute overtime periods, the match ended in a draw.

Highlights:

• Roanoke took the ball and moved right into the Bridgewater zone, earning a corner kick less than two minutes into the matchup.
• At the 15 minute mark Roanoke had their best chance of the first half. Vincent Lamina sent a shot just outside the left post. Less than a minute later, Dylan Berk sent a shot off the right post and the rebound was gathered in by Anthony Zarlenga who's shot was just off the mark.
• The game would go into the break scoreless despite RC out-shooting their guests 12-1 with four of the attempts on goal and a fifth off the post.
• After the half, play would be much more balanced. Roanoke would still lead in attempts, 6-3, but neither team was able to find the back of the net.
• Jacob Humer got the start in goal and pitched a shut-out during the first 45 minutes. Christian Mercadante relieved Humer to start the second half and recorded one save before he gave way to Luca Gustafson.
• As the clock ticked down at the end of regulation, Gabriel Hendi sent a shot to the bottom left corner but keeper Tyler Deutsch made a diving save for his sixth of the match.
• Bridgewater got one last chance late, but the shot sailed high over the goal and the match went to overtime.
• Roanoke had a couple good chances in the final five minutes of the first extra frame, but shots by Liam Camilleri and Berk were each turned away by Deutsch.
• The match went into a second extra period and after one last chance, Michael Chang sent one just outside the left post, time expired and the match was a draw.

Up next: The Maroons will be back in action at Kerr Stadium next Sunday when they host Washington and Lee at 1:00pm.