By Andrew Snyder
Sports Information Intern

GOSHEN, Ind. — Goshen College controlled much of the action but couldn't quite finish any goals as the Maple Leaf men's soccer team and Aquinas College stalemated in a 0-0 draw to wrap up the second and final night of the Goshen College Classic on Saturday at GC's John Ingold Athletic Complex

The Maple Leafs didn't hesitate to play to their strengths, putting and keeping the ball in the offensive half of the field. This consistent pressure landed all four corner kicks of the first half to Goshen, with three of those coming in succession in the fifth minute of play. While the chances were there, GC got one shot—a header from defender Tevin Gilkes—and couldn't knock it home.

Ten minutes later Goshen (1-1-3) had its best scoring opportunity of the first half when a ball down the right side found freshman Ollie Smith with space for a cross. Smith slotted the ball back near the penalty spot for incoming classmate TJ White. White made contact with the ball, but a bit too well, as the shot rocketed up and over the crossbar. Goshen recorded seven shots in the first half to Aquinas' five.

The second 45 minutes saw the Maple Leafs turn up the heat even more but earn the same end results, or lack thereof. A key difference in the second half were fouls committed: Goshen gave up seven, while Aquinas (1-1-2) was called for violations 16 times. The teams had combined for nine infractions in the first half.

Many of those fouls gave Goshen free kicks within 30 yards of the goalmouth, but a stiff Saint back line managed to clear away any Goshen shooting effort.

After a full 90 minutes of scoring opportunities and nothing to show for it, more overtime was added to the night. All four matches in the classic went to the extra session, including a 2-1 Holy Cross win over William Penn earlier Saturday afternoon. Both teams matched their shot totals from the first half in the second, while Goshen took a 9-0 corner kick edge into extra time.

Goshen's offensive prowess was even more evident in overtime as the hosts won the shot count 4-1 in the first 10-minute stretch and 2-1 in the second. Aquinas earned both of its corner kicks in overtime, while the Maple Leafs added three more for a game total of 12 corners. Despite a full 110 minutes of chances, neither team scored and the game finished a 0-0 draw.

Aquinas hit 12 shots throughout the game and finished with 24 fouls. Eleven Maple Leafs took shots as the team totaled 20. Sophomores Ethan Francois-Ravalier and Nate Nussbaum joined White to lead the way with three shots apiece for Goshen.

Sophomore Johan Escalante ended with two saves in the shutout for the Maple Leafs. His opposite number, Ty VanderPoel, made five. For the fifth straight match, Escalante and the defense let in one goal or less, the longest such streak by a Goshen team since 2011.

Goshen returns to action on Friday when it travels to Baldwin City, Kansas, for a tournament at Baker University. Kickoff between the host Wildcats and Maple Leafs is set for 3:30 p.m. Goshen time with radio coverage beginning at 3:15 p.m. on Goshen College's award-winning radio station, 91.1 The Globe.

Click play below (or here on mobile devices) to hear postgame comments from Goshen coach Arron Patrick.