PELLA, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's soccer team played Central College in its first A-R-C conference game of the season. The Spartans fought until the last whistle and left Pella, Iowa, with a 0-0 draw.
The first half was a battle between the Dutch and the Spartans as the UD defense stood its ground, blocking four shots from Central. Jonatan Banuelos had the best chance of the opening half for UD as Sam Matthews stole the ball in the attacking half, where he found Ebbot Bekkebraaten. Bekkebraaten lifted the ball perfectly over the Dutch backline, where Banuelos managed to get a header on goal, but the goalkeeper just narrowly got his hand to the ball for the save. Three shots in the last four minutes of the half had the Spartans dangerously close to taking the lead, but it remained 0-0.
After the halftime break, the teams picked up right where they had left off with the UD defense playing a great game against the Dutch. Nic Hubbard made two calm saves on he day, also helping to punch the ball out of the box from the Dutch corner kicks. After the full 90 minutes, UD ended the game tied 0-0 with the Dutch, earning their third draw of the season.
Up Next
The Spartans will play the Luther College Norse on October 4 for their first home conference game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Oyen Field.