York, PA. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Soccer Team (5-2-2, 3-1-2) played hard on Saturday but ended in a 0-0 tie against PSU-York (3-4-2, 3-2-2). It was a defensive game in every sense of the word as both defenses shined keeping the opposing offenses from getting many opportunities to score.
It was a battle to try to get the advantage in the first half and neither offense could get things going. PSUGA had just four shots on goal in the first half and York didn’t do much better getting only two shots on goal in the first half. The teams broke for the locker room all tied up at zero as they tried to get something going.
There were more offensive opportunities in the second half with PSUGA taking 10 shots on goal, but still nothing found the net on either side forcing the game into an overtime period. Once again, PSUGA took the advantage in overtime, however, they were unable to finish on the day and as time expired, they picked up a 0-0 tie.
Colin Bucsok (Pittsburgh, PA./Thomas Jefferson HS) fought hard to pick up his fourth shut out of the season making 12 saves on 12 shots on goal in his 110:00 minutes in net. After not being tested in the first half, Bucsok made 10 of his 12 saves in the second half holding York off the board as they tried to make a comeback.
Belmo Nurkic (Pittsburgh, PA./Baldwin HS) led the team with seven shots, five on goal, and Nic Babic (Whitehall, PA/Baldwin HS) followed behind with five shots, all on goal, to lead the offense. PSUGA led in corner kicks on the day taking six to York’s 1 and the team’s would tie with seven fouls a piece.
The tie keeps PSUGA in fourth place in the Penn State University Athletic conference standings, however, it still does not guarantee them a spot in the 2018 PSUAC Playoff tournament. They would need a win on Sunday to secure their fifth straight playoff berth as they try to make a run towards the programs first ever PSUAC Championship.
They wrap up their weekend set when they take on PSU-Wilkes Barre Sunday. Kickoff for Sunday’s game is scheduled for 12 p.m.