Pilots and Pioneers Play to 0-0 Draw

Olathe, KS – The LSUS Pilots and the defending National Champion, MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers played to a hard-fought 0-0 draw on Friday evening in Olathe, Kansas. This is the second draw of the season against two of the top teams in the NAIA. The Pilots remain undefeated with their record moving to 0-0-2. 

In an intense contest marked by strategic maneuvering and resilience, both teams demonstrated remarkable defensive stability, keeping the opposition at bay for the full 90 minutes. The Pilots and Pioneers each had their share of opportunities, but neither side was able to break through.

The LSUS Pilots, known for their aggressive offensive play, were met with a well-organized defensive line from MidAmerica Nazarene. Despite several promising attacks and near-misses, the Pilots could not find the back of the net. Similarly, the Pioneers' attacking efforts were thwarted by a resolute LSUS defense and some key saves by the Pilots' goalkeeper.

From the opening whistle, both teams displayed a commitment to defensive discipline. LSUS Pilots' goalkeeper Kyle Mcleish and MidAmerica Nazarene's Lukas Bolzli were instrumental in maintaining the scoreless deadlock, with each making crucial saves throughout the match.

The first half saw multiple near-misses and key moments of pressure. MidAmerica Nazarene's Rick Hovinga's header in the 18th minute was expertly saved by Mcleish, while LSUS's Joel Trub and Joe Waters had shots that went wide or high. The Pilots' Jack Thomas had a promising header saved by Bolzli in the 34th minute, and Shane O'Riordan's subsequent header in the 39th minute was also off target.

The second half continued the trend of solid defensive plays and missed chances. Despite several corner kicks and attacking plays from both teams, neither side could capitalize. The Pilots had a chance in the 63rd minute with Jack Thomas's shot that nearly slid under Bolzli, but he was able to keep it out of the back of the net. Late in the match, Kodai Tanaka was able to get behind the defense making a beautiful play to send the ball into the back of the net, but he would be called offsides keeping the game tied. 

The LSUS Pilots will next face Mobile on August 27 in Mobile, AL. 

MORE INFORMATION

For more information and updates on LSUS Athletics please visit lsusathletics.com, 'like' us on Facebook at LSU Shreveport Athletics or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @lsusathletics.