Orono, Maine--The UMBC men's soccer team managed to get a key point on the road as they played host Maine to a 0-0 double overtime tie in chilly, blustery conditions at Alumni Field.
The game was the America East opener for both squads as UMBC's record moved to 5-2-2 and 0-0-1 in league play, while Maine is now 3-4-2, 0-0-1. The Retrievers are now unbeaten in three straight games.
UMBC held a territorial advantage in the first half, but neither team could generate dangerous chances. Sophomore midfielder Dustin Dzwonkowski (Baltimore, Md./Archbishop Curley) had the visitor’s best chance, but his drive was saved by Nemanja Kostic.
The Retrievers took over midway through the second half and registered 11 second half shots, but could not dent the net. In the 72nd minute, sophomore back Chris Williams (Parkville, Md./Calvert Hall) headed a serve off an indirect kick, but his attempt hit the underside of the crossbar.
Maine's best chance occurred in the final 10 minutes, but UMBC senior netminder Steve King (Baltimore, Md./Archbishop Curley) deflected and then secured a shot by Maine's Jordan Antonucci.
King recorded three saves to post his 21st career shutout, while Kostic had six stops for the Black Bears. King needs three more shutouts to take over the all-time lead in school history.
Dzwonkowski and freshman forward Andrew Bulls (Millersville, Md./McDonogh) led all players with two shots on goal apiece.
The Retrievers lead the series, 4-1-1 and are unbeaten in five straight vs. the Black Bears. However, the Retrievers' road winless streak in America East play was extended to five straight.
UMBC has a pair of league home games next week, starting with Wednesday's match-up with Hartford. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m. at UMBC Soccer Stadium.
