In the 13th minute, St. John’s’ Cody Albrecht’s shot sailed over diving redshirt junior goalkeeper Charlie Lyon and ringed off the post and away. This summed up the night for both sides as Marquette drawed the Red Storm 0-0 at Belson Stadium.
Marquette had the opportunity to clinch a berth in the Big East tournament tonight with a win, but the point from the draw keeps them atop the league standings and marks the best conference start in Marquette history.
The Golden Eagles looked lost in the opening minutes, allowing the St. John’s offense to start the game off primarily in the attacking third. Falling behind 8-2 in shots early on, it was not looking good for the road team.
Marquette failed to keep possession and played most of the half in their own end. Late in the half, they picked up the intensity and staredt controlling the game. In the final minutes, they put up some quality chances, including a late corner where the ball bounced around the box until junior defender Brady Wahl picked it up for the best chance of the night. Wahl, with an open net in front of him, rushed the shot and sent it wide from the six yards out.
Both sides fought for a goal to win it all in the second half, but the defenses stood tall. St. John’s keened in on leading scorer redshirt sophomore C. Nortey, frustrating him all night with constant man-to-man defense when Marquette was on the ball.
Lyon and the Marquette backline once again held their ground. They recorded their eighth shutout of the season and held off an aggressive Red Storm attack. Lyon was still put in a bad position several times in the game and had to make a season high eight saves in the match.
With the teams scoreless, the game headed to overtime.
The first overtime period mirrored the second half, as both teams were held scoreless. Senior midfielder Bryan Ciesiulka had a chance when he received a cross from Nortey in the box. Ciesiulka took a few touches and then ripped one low but it was knocked away by the St. John’s netminder and the game ended in the 0-0 draw.
Louis Bennett’s team with will have to rest up quickly, as they play second place Georgetown for what will surely be Marquette’s toughest match if the year Saturday. If Georgetown is victorious, they will share the lead with the Golden Eagles; but if Marquette wins, they will clinch a Big East tournament berth. A tie would leave keep them alone at the top standings again.
