With temperatures over 100 degrees, The Master's University and Benedictine University Mesa (AZ) played to a 0-0 tie Thursday at Reese Field.
The Mustangs (3-4-2, 3-0-2), who remain in first place in the conference, out-shot BenUÂ 15-11, with the majority of that advantage coming in the second half (10-5). However, just four of the 15 shots were on goal.
"We didn't have out best stuff today," said TMU Head Coach Jim Rickard. "I think there was just a lack of focus, which could have been from the heat, playing at home, being in first place... whatever. We didn't make good decisions early on what were some really incredible chances. But, at the end of the day, not losing is really important. To not give up three points (in the standings) is helpful. But this was a day when we did not have all of our stuff."
The closest TMU got to sneaking in a goal was when
Prince Chingancheke took a corner kick with 33:45 to play in the second half. The ball sailed toward the back post when Redhawks goalkeeper Mortiz Ae tried to punch it away with one hand. However, the ball skipped off his fist and banged off the post and back into the field of play allowing the BenU defense to clear it away.
Trent Rickard led the team with four shots. His best chance came with a little more than 16 minutes to play in the game when he went one-on-one with Ae, only to have his chip shot over the keeper's head just miss wide left.
Alexis Garcia,
Theo Kudlo and
Tyler Mora each got credited with three shots apiece, with Chingancheke and
Michael Masimango getting one each.
Julian Graham finished with two saves while Ae had four.
The Master's will be back on Reese Field this Saturday when they host the Park University of Gilbert (AZ) Buccaneers, another new GSAC opponent. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
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