Bears, Golden Knights scrap to draw in men's soccer; Potsdam snaps four-match losing streak

POTSDAM, N.Y. -- As expected, excitement and intensity filled a college men's soccer game featuring cross-town rivals Tuesday night at Maxcy Hall Turf Field.

With an equal flair for the dramatic and fiery competitiveness, it was fitting,

then, that SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson battled to a 0-0 tie in non-conference action.

The Bears (2-12-2) threatened with early free kicks in the first overtime, but were

unable to create other serious opportunities during the remainder of extra time.

"We've lost so many close games, so it was good that we didn't give this one away,"

Potsdam coach Adam Parker said. "It was frustrating to watch because we gave the

ball away six or seven times in transition, but we got a shutout and hung with

Clarkson, who is a very good team in a great conference."

Clarkson (6-4-2) nearly took a late 1-0 lead off a corner kick with just over 13

minutes remaining as a header hit the crossbar and was very close to bouncing over the goal line. The Golden Knights had another chance with just over two minutes

left, when two shots in a series of three hit the post or crossbar.

"We got lucky, they hit the crossbar a few times," Parker said. "One of the times, I

don't even know how the ball hit it."

Both teams had chances to score in the opening half as Clarkson held a narrow 9-6 advantage in shots. Potsdam may have had the best chance in the 22nd minute, when junior Chris Nieves (Saratoga, N.Y.) nearly scored on a breakaway. He was met at the front of the box by the keeper, who turned Nieves away just as he had fired a shot.

For the match, the Golden Knights outshot the Bears 21-11, but held only a 5-3

advantage in shots on goal.

Sophomore goalkeeper Joe Glackin (Latham, N.Y.) posted five saves in his third

shutout of the season. Senior Brandon Calandra (Gloversville, N.Y.) tallied four

shots, including one on goal.

The Bears wrap up the 2010 season this Saturday at home against State University of New York Athletic Conference foe Plattsburgh. Match time is set for 6 p.m. at Maxcy Hall Turf Field. Eight seniors will be recognized prior to the match.