GRINNELL, Iowa – In their final game before conference play, the University of Dubuque men's soccer team traveled to Grinnell, Iowa, to take on the Grinnell College Pioneers. Battling through heavy winds and difficult field conditions, the Spartans and Pioneers played to a hard-fought 0-0 draw.
The Spartans knew they were in for a tough battle against the Pioneers, who entered the match with an impressive 8-2 record. From the opening whistle, both teams battled for every ball, while strong winds made conditions even more challenging. The Pioneers controlled much of the first half but could not find a way past
Riley Johnson, who made six saves to keep the match scoreless. The Spartans looked to capitalize on counterattacking opportunities and created several dangerous chances, but the final touch was missing. The two teams entered halftime tied 0-0.
The Spartans came out stronger in the second half, using the wind to their advantage and taking more control of the match. UD's best chance came in the 67th minute when the Spartans found the back of the net with a header off a free kick. After a lengthy discussion, however, the goal was ruled out for offside. Just 10 minutes later, the Spartans came close again, but their shot was blocked off the line by a Pioneers defender. The Pioneers nearly broke the deadlock in the 78th minute after a mistake in the Spartans defense. A clearance was blocked and narrowly missed the goal. UD's defense held strong through the final minutes, keeping the Pioneers off the scoreboard and securing a 0-0 draw at the final whistle.
Riley Johnson once again came up big for the Spartans, making seven saves to record another clean sheet for the fifth-year senior.
Jonatan Banuelos and
Elias Johansson each recorded two shots in the match. The Spartans defense also played a key role in the shutout, blocking several Pioneers shots and limiting their scoring opportunities.
Up Next
The Spartans will return home on Wednesday, October 7, to open conference play and celebrate Homecoming against the Coe College Kohawks. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Oyen Field.
