Fitchburg State ties up Bridgewater State 0-0 (2 OT)

Hanratty extends shutout streak and Falcons unbeaten streak with MASCAC draw

FITCHBURG, Mass. (October 12, 2013) ­– Junior Aidan Hanratty (E. Bridgewater, Mass.) extended his shutout streak to 885 minutes with a 12 save performance, as the Fitchburg State men's soccer team extended their unbeaten streak to four games with a 0-0 draw against the Bears of Bridgewater State on Saturday morning at Elliot Field.

With the tie, both teams remain unbeaten in conference play, with Fitchburg State moving to 5-4-4 overall (1-0-3 MASCAC) and Bridgewater State moving to 5-5-2 (2-0-2 MASCAC).

The Falcons came out strong in the first half, registering five shots in the first 20 minutes of play, forcing Bears goalkeeper Matt Bagley (Braintree, Mass.) to come up with four saves. From there, the Bears would take control of the match by rattling off a streak of 11 consecutive shots over the final 25 minutes of the frame. However, the Falcons found themselves up to the task; totaling five saves in the first half, including a key defensive save in the 40th minute off a shot by sophomore Charlie Lawson (Plympton, Mass.).

The Falcons were able to turn in the tide in the second half, earning seven shots on goal in the second half to five from the Bears. The Bears would come up with their best scoring chance of the contest in the 68th minute as junior Steve McAvoy (Walpole, Mass.) directed a header towards the goal at point blank range, but Hanratty was able to come up with the save. The Falcons would get their best chance in the 75th minute as a rebound given up by Bagley off a shot from freshman Steven Martinez (Middlesex, N.J.) led to a loose ball in the box, but the Bears were able to knock it out of danger before the Falcons could cash in.

In overtime, Bridgewater State continued to push for the winning goal, outshooting the Falcons four to one in the extra session; but three final saves from Hanratty kept the match scoreless at the final whistle.

Throughout the contest, Bridgewater State outshot Fitchburg State 30-17 while earning ten corner kicks to the Falcons four. Both Bagley and Hanratty finished with 12 saves on the contest. With the shutout, Hanratty's shutout streak is now at 885 minutes, which currently stands as the tenth longest shutout streak in Division III history. Also, with the Falcons earning their fourth scoreless draw of the season, they matched the Division III record for most 0-0 ties in a season (set by Ohio Wesleyan in 2006).

Fitchburg State will return to action on Wednesday as they host Daniel Webster at 7 pm. Bridgewater State will visit Wheaton on Wednesday at 3:30 pm.