Eagles Open 2023 with Scoreless Draw to Titans

HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata men's soccer team was unable to find the back of the net after creating several big chances, settling for a scoreless draw at home against Westminster College to open 2023. 

Juniata controlled the game and generated some of their best chances by drawing fouls outside of the 18-yard box to create free-kick opportunities, as Westminster totaled 14 fouls across the 90 and four yellow cards in the first half. In contrast, the Juniata defense only conceded one foul around the penalty box and had just five fouls total. 

The first of three Emmet Young free kicks came in the 67th minute. From around 25 yards out and slightly right of center, Young hit a ball with pace over the wall and headed for the top right corner, forcing a diving save from the Titans keeper. The second time from further right, Young aimed bottom right, but it was right at the keeper. His final chance came with just two minutes left, and it was the Eagles' last attempt on goal. From slightly left of center and 20 yards away, he bent low and around the wall to the right to force another diving stop from the keeper. 

Juniata also remained dangerous from their ten corner kicks, as Gavin Rauhut and Nathan Weick each headed a shot on goal. Other shots on target for Juniata came from Joseph Cianfichi  in the first half and Ian Edwards in the second half, each hit at the keeper.  

Axel Grater was tasked with making six saves on the night, saving a few balls with pace and recovering from a long-range chip attempt from Westminster. On one occasion, a ball was put over the keeper but cleared off the line by Sean Weiland, who launched a strong counterattack and nearly found Jase Colino on the wing with a through ball across the field.  

Juniata returns to competition in 48 hours as they travel to face the York Spartans on Sunday afternoon, with a 3:00 pm kickoff.