NORTHFIELD, VT. -- The Coast Guard Academy Men's Soccer team used their third goalkeeper of the season and the defense pitched another shut out, in what ultimately ended as a 0-0 draw with the Cadets of Norwich University this afternoon. 

Gameplay started slowly for each side with the first third of the opening half seeing less than a handful of shots traded by each side. In what ended up being the most penalized game of the season for the Bears, the top moment of the game came when John Vaaler saved a penalty kick from Norwich forward Amerle Nemeye just over 19 minutes in. That save would prove to be the difference maker in this one. 

As the half played on, both Norwich and Coast Guard traded possessions, but the storyline truly was, once again, the defensive efforts. There were eight defensemen tallying critical minutes for the Bears and all chipping in to protect Vaaler.  

On the offense end, Charles Fish continued his outstanding season so far, peppering three more shots, and two on goal, while Micah Messner added four shots, there on goal for the Bears. In total, both goal keepers combined in this one stopped all eight shots their way. Vaaler only faced two real threats, one of them being the PK in the first half. 

While the goals have not come as of late, head coach Chris Parsons remains optimistic for his squad, while also crediting their opponents on the field today. He had this to say: 

"Today's game was a hard fought match between two solid sides! Neither team could find the quality shot that would break the deadlock. Onto a big match with Springfield this Saturday."

The tie sends Coast Guard's record to 7-2-3 (1-2-1 in conference), while Norwich moves to 7-3-2 (6-2-0 in conference). 

If the Bears defense and goal tending continues their elite production, there is no doubt that the scores will come back for the Bears. Coast Guard now turns it's attention to New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) opponent, Springfield College, on Saturday, October 15th 2022 at home. The game will begin at 12pm EST on Nitchman Field.