NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Purple Eagles came away with a 0-0 draw against the Monmouth Hawks on Saturday night despite controlling play for long stretches and getting a few quality chances late in the second overtime at Niagara Field.
 
The first three minutes of the second extra period were dominated by the Purple Eagles (3-6-2). Jack Welsh, Nicholas Watson, and Jacob Ohlin all got good looks at the net, but were unable to convert. Watson's chance was the cleanest as the sophomore went in on a short breakaway and sent a narrowly wide of the right post from the outside of the six-yard box.
 
Roberto Fernandez-Andersson turned in a strong game on the backline for the Purple and White, denying several chances late in the game, and Steve Casey made five saves through the 110 minutes of action in his second-consecutive start.
 
"We played our most complete game of the season tonight," head coach Eric Barnes said after the match. "Steve was solid in goal and we did a great job on both sides of the ball.  We combined very well in the attacking third and were unlucky not to come away with all 3 points."
 
The Purple Eagles combined for 13 total shots and doubled up the Hawks (5-2-2) in overtime as they outshot the visitors 6-3. The Monmouth keeper made the first save of the afternoon on another nice chance by Watson, who took a nice pass from Tim Magnusson to go in on a one-on-one.
 
"We will be ready to go and hopefully do a better job finishing our chances against Siena on Wednesday," said Barnes.
 
Ohlin led the team with two shots on goal while he and Watson tied with four total shots apiece. NU was consistent with pressure throughout the match. They turned in four shots in the first half, followed by three in each the second half and both overtimes.
 
The game was suspended for 30 minutes with 4:20 left on the clock in the first half due to lightning.
 
The Purple Eagles have a quick turn-around; they are back on the pitch this Wednesday when they host the Siena Saints at Niagara Field. Kick-off is at 4:00 p.m.