By Rachel Buck (@GBRachel)
GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) – Playing in his first Horizon League contest, freshman Kyle Ihn (Wales, Wis.) earned his first career shutout as the Green Bay men's soccer team finished in a scoreless draw against Valparaiso on Saturday afternoon at Aldo Santaga Stadium.
The draw moved Green Bay's record to 5-2-3 overall and 0-0-1 in the conference, while Valpo went to 3-3-4 overall and 0-1-2 in the Horizon League.
Playing in a heavy rain in the first half, Valparaiso put the first shots on goal, but Green Bay quickly responded with scoring opportunities of its own. Just over 23 minutes into the match Sam Krenzien (Wauwatosa, Wis.) had a shot blocked, and he then followed with a header in front of the Valpo keeper, but Tom Serratore was able to collect the shot.
Krenzien again attacked the net in the closing minutes of the first half, camping out in front of the keeper, but his header attempt was again collected by Serratore and the game headed into the break at a scoreless draw. At the half, Green Bay held a 7-3 advantage in shots including 3-0 on goal, while Valpo led corner kicks, 5-1.
As the rains let up to start the second half, both offenses picked up the pace. In the 62nd minute Lawrence Talery (Coon Rapids, Minn.) put a shot on goal that sailed just over the crossbar. The Crusaders then took the ball down the field with a breakaway opportunity by Jesse Ortiz, but Ihn came up with a big save to preserve the shutout.
Heading into extra minutes, both teams tacked a shot on the board, but it was Green Bay that picked up the intensity in the second overtime session with five shot attempts. IN the 105th minute Valpo was called for a handball just outside the box. With a direct shot on the free kick, Krenzien's attempt sailed over the crossbar. AJ Patterson (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and Jordan Dover (Ontario, Canada) also saw scoring opportunities go just wide as the game drew to a close.
For the match, Green Bay led in shots, 17-8, including 5-2 on goal. Valpo edged the Phoenix in corner kicks, 7-5. Ihn made two saves in the shutout.
Green Bay returns to action on Tuesday, traveling to face Milwaukee under the lights at 7 p.m.
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