MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's Men's Soccer battled the USF Dons to a scoreless tie on Saturday afternoon despite 11 total shots for the Gaels, who are now 5-6-3 overall and 0-1-2 in WCC play.
 
The tie put USF, coached by former SMC Associate Head Coach Chris Brown, at 7-7-3 overall and 0-2-1 in WCC action.
 
The game started with a feeling-out period between the conference foes, with a ping-ponging rhythm and physical play.
 
Shots were even at the half, with the Gaels having a great scoring chance in the first frame, with Cade Cowan forcing the USF keeper to make a big save.
 
SMC keeper Kash Oladapo had to make his own big stop in the 32nd minute, when the USF attacker tried to back foot a shot while facing away from the goal to try and catch Oladapo off guard, but he was ready and dove to his right to make the stop.
 
Saint Mary's would have the advantage in scoring chances in the second half as they outshot San Francisco 8-2 in the second, but each team just forced one save from the opposing keeper. The Gaels had quantity in shots, but weren't able to get them on target and had several shots blocked.
 
Though the Gaels weren't able to put a shot into the back of the net, it was good to see the offensive life and willingness to take shots in the nil-nil draw. It was also good to see keeper Kash Oladaop rebound with a shutout after late mistake in the draw at San Diego.
 
UP NEXT
The Gaels will play at Pacific in Stockton, Calif. on Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m.