OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha men's soccer team and No. 3/4 Denver tied 0-0 in front of 1,025 fans at Caniglia Field on Saturday afternoon. The Mavericks are now 8-4-4 (4-0-1 Summit League), while the Pioneers are 14-0-3 (5-0-1 Summit League).
In a matchup that was short on scoring chances over the first 45 minutes, Omaha's Joel Kazhila nearly broke through for a goal with a great run up the right side in the 45th minute. Kazhila cut in on his defender, but his shot was saved by Denver goalkeeper James Bannon-Schneebeck.
Elvir Ibisevic tested the Pioneer defense a minute into the second half, but his header was denied by Bannon-Schneebeck. Lalo Gamboa had a chance to put Omaha on the board in the 53rd minute when he blasted a shot towards goal, but the goalkeeper was there for the save.
In the first overtime period, Denver's Andre Shinyashiki was able to turn and get off a shot from 10 yards out, but Joseph Ghitis was able to smother the shot.
Mark Moulton looked to have the game-winner in the 103rd minute, but his header floated just over the crossbar.
The Mavericks outshot the Pioneers, 14-9, and had a 4-3 edge in shots on goal. Ibisevic and Moulton led the Maverick offense with four shots apiece. Ibisevic had a team-high two shots on goal. Gamboa had three shots, one of which was on goal. Kazhila, Fazlo Alihodzic and Denzel Woods also registered shots.
Joseph Ghitis made three saves for Omaha and posted his sixth shutout of the season. Bannon-Schneebeck finished with four saves for the Pioneers.
Omaha returns to action for its regular-season finale on Saturday, Nov. 5, traveling to Oral Roberts. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Case Soccer Complex in Tulsa, Okla. Links to stats and video will be available on OMavs.com.
Notes
• Omaha honored seniors Fazlo Alihodzic, Lalo Gamboa, Jake McCain and Mark Moulton in postgame festivities.
• The Mavericks have one Summit League match remaining, while Denver has completed its conference schedule and is assured of at least a share of the regular season title.
• Both teams have already qualified for the league's postseason tournament on Nov. 10-12 in Denver, Colo.
• A win next weekend would give UNO a share of the Summit League regular-season title, and tie-break procedures shall be used only to determine seeds for the Championship.
