COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – The Falcons battled to a 0-0 draw against Saint John's Wednesday evening at Haws Field.
Greyson Shiek's 16-save night was the performance of the game with the Johnnies ending with 28 total shots against the Falcon backline. With 16 saves, Shiek now sits atop the record board in UWRF history, surpassing Boned Alvaro's 10-save performance during the Falcons inaugural season.
The Falcons, now 5-5-4 & 0-1-1 WIAC held off a Saint John's squad that entered the contest with a 12-1-1 overall record, earning a hard-fought road draw behind a strong goalie effort.
UW-River Falls came out creating several early opportunities.
Ben Harris recorded the Falcons' first shot just over two minutes into the match before forcing a save from Johnnies goalkeeper Alex Keekley in the third minute.
Mauricio Cuevas added another opportunity in the 15th minute, while Harris tested Keekley again in the 21st minute.
Saint John's responded, but Shiek was up to the challenge, recording five first-half saves to keep the Johnnies off the scoreboard. The Falcons finished the opening 45 minutes with five shots and three corner kicks, trailing Saint John's 8-5 in total shots as the teams entered halftime tied 0-0.
The Johnnies came out swinging in the second, outshooting the Falcons 20-1 over the final 45 minutes. Despite the relentless attack, Shiek and the UW-River Falls defense remained composed, turning away opportunity after opportunity.
Shiek recorded 11 second-half saves, including several crucial stops in the closing 15 minutes. In goal he made consecutive saves in the 77th and 78th minutes before denying additional scoring chances in the 82nd, 84th and 86th minutes. His final save came with just seven seconds remaining in regulation, preserving the scoreless draw.
Saint John's finished with a 28-6 advantage in shots, including a 16-3 edge in shots on goal. Harris led the Falcons offensively with four shots, including all three of the team's shots on goal, while Cuevas added two attempts.
Shiek played all 90 minutes in net, finishing with a season-high 16 saves to secure the shutout. The Falcons' defensive unit also received full 90-minute efforts from
Carter Eklund,
Gabriel Abad Lobo and
Sam Everakes.
UW-River Falls will return to WIAC action on Saturday, Oct. 17, traveling to Stevens Point, Wis., to face UW-Stevens Point. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
