Danbury, Conn. – The Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team Western Connecticut State University to a 0-0 draw Saturday evening.
Stevens (1-0-1) held a 13-4 advantage in shots and a 9-2 edge in corner kicks, including a 9-1 advantage in shots over the final 45 minutes.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Western Connecticut generated the first two attempts of the contest before Stevens nearly broke through in the 11th minute.
Martin Fields connected on a header that struck the post to keep the match scoreless.
Emerson Kekesi followed with attempts in the 16th and 19th minutes as the Ducks began to establish themselves in the attacking third. Stevens earned three corner kicks during the opening half before
Lucas Mendes put the Ducks' first shot on goal in the 34th minute, forcing a save from the goalkeeper.
Stevens increased the pressure immediately after halftime. Kekesi directed a header on goal in the 50th minute before
Matthew Murillo followed with an attempt less than 20 seconds later. The Ducks then earned four corner kicks over the next six minutes but were unable to turn the opportunities into the opening goal. The Wolves registered their only shot on goal in the 62nd minute when Boyke, was tested, but he made the save to preserve the scoreless contest.
The Ducks continued to push forward and came within inches of taking the lead in the 75th minute. Following a Stevens corner,
Joey Bucchere connected on a header that struck the crossbar. Murillo forced another Smith save in the 79th minute before Fields generated three chances over a five-minute stretch. Fields sent a header wide in the 81st minute before putting headers on target in the 84th and 86th minutes, with Smith turning away both attempts.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Ducks earned nine corner kicks compared to two for the home side, including a 6-2 edge in the second half.
- Fields finished with a match-high four shots and put two on goal. Kekesi added three shots, while Murillo recorded two.
- Boyke played all 90 minutes and made one save to earn the clean sheet.
- Stevens' defense did not allow a shot on goal until the 62nd minute and surrendered just one total attempt in the second half.
UP NEXT
Stevens returns to Hoboken for its 2026 home opener on Tuesday, Sept. 8, when the Ducks welcome Skidmore College to the DeBaun Athletic Complex. Opening kick is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
