The Alpha Theta Pi Razorbacks were challenged by the Pi Gamma Delta Royals Saturday, Sept. 27, as both soccer teams looked to pick up their second win this season. While each team had several close shot attempts, neither was able to score on the other, resulting in a 0-0 tie.

The game began with a quick start for both teams, as the Alpha offense went right at the Royal defense. The Alpha players, known for their quick and potent offense, had their work cut out for them as the Royals, recognized for their strong and consistent defense, countered them on every play.

Five minutes into the game, sophomore Razorback Jadan Kashi fired a shot on goal. The shot went wide right, however, and was the last shot Alpha would have for several minutes. The Royals’ offense answered back and took the fight to the other side of the field. Senior Stephen Lovelace found his way toward the goal and ripped a shot that fell just left of the goal.

A few minutes later the Royals’ David Overly also took a shot on goal, but the ball veered left and the Alpha defense continued to hold Pi Gamma’s offense.

For the last eight minutes of the first half, both teams exchanged shots on the other’s goal with no success. Pi Gamma’s Lovelace had another close shot on top of several other Royals who were packing the Alpha box. The Alpha defense eventually pushed the Royals out and started adding some much needed pressure on the Pi Gamma defense once again. Senior Tommy Sims and freshman Toby Sims each had a shot on goal in the last moments of the half, but neither found the back of the net.

The second half was much like the first as the Alpha offense did a good job of pressuring the Royal defense, but Pi Gamma always seemed to have an answer for them. Pi Gamma’s sophomore goalie, Stephen Laird, successfully extinguished all Alpha scoring attempts and communicated well with his defensive backfield. Alpha, however, had its fair share of opportunities but was not able to convert on any of them. Thirteen minutes in, Alpha junior Spencer Pagliuca headed the ball off the top crossbar. Two minutes later Kashi had a very good look that sailed just high. The Pi Gamma defense was not about to let the Razorbacks put in an easy last minute goal.

Pi Gamma had a last-minute burst of offense as Lovelace made his way down the field and rocketed a shot that ricocheted off the hands of Alpha goalkeeper sophomore Alex Kornivskiy. Another Royal striker was there to fire the ball toward the net again, but Kornivskiy was there once more and stopped the Pi Gamma scare. The game ended scoreless and gave each team a challenge that could possibly be resolved later this year.