Benet, York settle for scoreless tie

Updated: April 22, 2011 2:06PM

Between the slick conditions and some slick goalkeeping, Benet and York battled to a 0-0 nonconference girls soccer tie on Friday night.

While York's late arrival worked out in terms of a predominantly rain-free match, the earlier downpour left the grass just slick enough for some loose footing or an occasional sky-high shot from getting too far under the ball. The visiting Dukes remained level on the year at 3-3-1 while No. No. 20 Benet moved to 8-2-2.

"Obviously we want to win every game we can, but it's still better than a loss," Benet defender Maria Schwabe said. "We played well for the most part and controlled the ball and had some opportunitie,s but just didn't finish. Our movement and possession were pretty good, so for the next time out we just need to work a little more on shooting."

Coming off an initial loss in East Suburban Catholic Conference play, Benet was hoping to get start another winning streak like the five-match string that got stopped by Marist.

"A big focus today was getting our heads in the game and playing smart, creating opportunities and we did those things," Katie Kaufmann said.

Technically York had a few more opportunities based on a 15-7 advantage for overall attempts and a 7-3 edge in shots on goal, but Benet may have the better near-misses. York goalie Anna Bell Lansdowne gained her first shutout while the Red Wings' Clare Munaretto got her eighth.

"For as poorly as we played Wednesday against Marist, I'm happy with a 0-0 draw because York is a good team," Benet coach Henry Wind said. "We had our chances as did they. Overall I thought our spacing was better, we controlled the ball and did a nice job defensively. Kelly (Diedrich) moved from defender to defensive midfield and along with Brittany (Pullen) did a solid job controlling midfield and making good decisions."

Benet's next match is a Monday meeting with Wheaton Academy at the Benedictine University field while York has a Pepsi Showdown consolation contest with Wheaton Warrenville South.

"The wet and windy elements were a factor for both teams and Benet's goalkeeper made some really nice saves, so we're satisfied with a 0-0 result," York coach Chris Halupka said.

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