FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The RMU men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with Horizon League leader Purdue Fort Wayne on Saturday afternoon, grinding out a 0-0 draw at the Hefner Soccer Complex. With the result, the Colonials move to 3-1-4 overall and 1-0-2 in conference play, while the Mastodons remain unbeaten in league action.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
From the opening whistle, the Colonials were put under pressure as Purdue Fort Wayne registered eight first-half shots. RMU's defensive unit stood tall, highlighted by goalkeeper Josh Lane, who made two key saves, and defender Jaxson Lee, who denied a near-goal clearance at the line.
 
The Colonials nearly broke through just before halftime. With three minutes remaining, PFW's goalkeeper misplayed a clearance, allowing Kosi Udeh to pounce on the loose ball inside the box. Udeh's shot was struck cleanly but was denied by the keeper on a recovery save to keep the match level.
 
Early in the second half, RMU earned a free-kick opportunity from distance. Jaxson Lee rose above the defense and powered a header on frame, but once again the Mastodons' goalkeeper was equal to the challenge.
 
Midway through the half, freshman Emeric Nicol came off the bench and quickly created a chance of his own, firing a shot on target that tested the keeper.
 
The most dangerous moment came in the 76th minute when RMU conceded a free kick just outside the box. The Mastodons put their effort on goal, but Lane sprawled to his left with a diving stop to preserve the clean sheet.
 
RMU pushed hard in the closing stages, generating two shots and a corner kick in the final seven minutes, but neither side was able to find the breakthrough as the match ended scoreless.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Purdue Fort Wayne held a 12-7 advantage in total shots, including a 6-3 margin in shots on goal.
• The Mastodons also edged RMU in corners, 6-5.
• Victor Thompson and Emeric Nicol paced the Colonials with two shots apiece.
• RMU saw six players go the distance: Fabian Overkamp, Kevin Gorbell, Victor Koah, Anass Hadran, Jaxson Lee, and Thompson each logged the full 90 minutes.

 
CLEAN SHEET
With five saves, Lane picked up his fourth shutout of the season and the 11th of his career, continuing his strong form between the pipes. The veteran netminder currently sits tied for first in the Horizon League in clean sheets, while his .778 save percentage ranks fifth among conference goalkeepers.
 
UP NEXT
RMU steps away from league action for a regional non-conference test at Penn State on Tuesday, September 30. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 PM in University Park, Pa.
 
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