LA GRANDE, Ore. – Walla Walla University Men's Soccer battled Eastern Oregon University to a 0-0 draw Tuesday afternoon in Cascade Collegiate Conference play.
The match resumed after a lightning delay suspended play nearly six minutes into the contest on September 18. Back on the field, the Wolves and Mountaineers traded opportunities throughout the opening half.
Walla Walla created its first sustained offensive pressure nearly 19 minutes into the match, recording three shots in a short stretch. Freshman Gabriel Delgadillo put one attempt on goal, while sophomore Paulo Tostado recorded two shots, one of which was on frame. Eastern Oregon goalkeeper Victor Melendez and the Mountaineers' defense kept the Wolves off the scoreboard, while Walla Walla goalkeeper Sebas Vargas made two saves to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
The Wolves came out aggressively to begin the second half and continued to battle for possession as both teams looked for the opening goal. Eastern Oregon created several chances off a free kick, but Walla Walla's defense held firm and blocked multiple attempts.
Vargas came up with a key save in the 77th minute to keep the Mountaineers off the board. The Wolves then nearly broke through on the other end when Tostado struck the post, but the shot stayed out of the net.
Walla Walla continued to defend its end of the field as the physicality increased late in the match. Eastern Oregon had another opportunity in the final minutes, but the Wolves blocked the attempt to preserve the clean sheet.
Neither team could find the breakthrough, sending the match to a 0-0 final.
Eastern Oregon held a narrow 14-11 advantage in shots, while the Wolves put five attempts on goal compared to two for the Mountaineers. Walla Walla also earned one corner kick to Eastern Oregon's seven.
Vargas finished with two saves for the Wolves, while Melendez recorded five saves for Eastern Oregon.
Head Coach Jose Garcia reflected on the match, saying, "It was an intense game that I believe could have gone either way. I am proud of our effort tonight and the improvement of our team as the season has gone. We must keep playing with this same intensity."
The Wolves return to action Friday, Oct. 2, when they host Corban University at 2:30 p.m.
