IPFW still hasn’t notched a goal during this men’s soccer season, but at least the Mastodons can find solace in the fact that their defense is proving to be very solid.
The Mastodons dropped 1-0 match to Marshall on Monday at the Hefner Soccer Fields.
IPFW put up a season-high 12 shots, two of those on goal, but came up empty in each.
The teams played an even first 30 minutes of the game, with both teams putting together strong chances, before the Thundering Herd reached the scoring column when Eddy Prugh put the ball past the diving attempt of IPFW keeper Brandon Cloutier with just under five minutes remaining before halftime.
The last five minutes were scoreless, as the Mastodons went into the break with a 7-6 advantage in shots attempted.
IPFW had a number of strong chances in the second half, including in the 77th minute when freshman Jose Rodriguez had a one-on-one shot against the goalkeeper, and his shot towards the far post was punched aside by Marshall goalkeeper Daniel Withrow, who has yet to allow a goal in the 2012 season.
Despite the five second-half shot attempts; none would find the net, as Marshall had 10 tries at a goal, coming empty in all 10.
Cloutier picked up three saves for the 'Dons, who are still looking for their first goal of 2012.
Four IPFW players - Scott Williams, Jackson Tooke, Nate Shipman and Darnell Parris - had two shots each, with Williams and Rodriguez each putting a shot against goal. Marshall's Tom Jackson, who had an assist on the goal, had a game-high five shot attempts.
The Mastodons will travel to the PITT / Nike Invitational and face host Pittsburgh on Friday, followed by a Sunday match against Duquesne.
