BALTIMORE- UMBC junior goalkeeper Phil
Saunders (Perry Hall, Md./Perry Hall) tied a career high
with seven saves, as the host Retrievers battled Radford to a
scoreless draw in double overtime in the opener for both teams at
Retriever Soccer Park.
Saunders, who had not seen action for UMBC since Sept. 26, 2010,
made three saves in each half and one in the first overtime period
to record his eighth career shutout. His other seven-save effort
ironically occurred in the aforementioned contest at FDU.
The Highlanders outshot UMBC, 16-7, overall, although the
Retrievers earned six corner kick opportunities to four awarded to
the visitors.
Junior Kadeem Dacres
(Rosedale, N.Y.) had UMBC's lone good scoring opportunity in the
first half, putting a shot from just inside the box on goal in the
42nd minute.
Radford junior midfielder Luis Grande had the best chance of the
contest in the 52nd minute, but his redirection
from close range went over the crossbar. Grande and freshman back
Michael Hutcheon each led all players with four shots apiece.
Grande nearly won the game for the visitors with 1:20 remaining,
but sent a shot from just inside the box over the frame.
Radford senior goalkeeper Ryan Taylor made three saves to get
the shutout for his side.
The tenth meeting between the two teams resulted in the first
draw, as RU now holds a narrow 5-4-1 series edge. The Retrievers
and Highlanders had not met since the 2000 season.
Five Retrievers made their first career starts and a sixth-
sophomore Michael
DiCesare (Westerville, Ohio) made his first appearance as a
right fullback.
UMBC returns to action on Thurs., Aug. 30 when they entertain
VCU.