NDSU vs. Minnesota State University-Moorhead – September 7, 2005

The Bison dueled their rival MSUM to a 0-0 draw on a clear September Wednesday night in Fargo. The game was very well played on both sides and about as even as you can get both statistically and with the flow of play. MSUM started the game controlling the majority of play, but they were unable to get any good chances thanks to the NDSU defense of Sham Funk, Dan Salyards, Josh Sanderson and Jared Misialek. After the first few minutes, both teams more or less cancelled each other’s attacks out—if a forward or midfielder for one team made a solid play, the opposing defense usually squandered the opportunity. NDSU’s closest chance of the first half came when forward Selam Ahmed fired a shot from just outside the penalty area. The ball was about to dip in when the MSUM keeper just got enough of the ball to tip it off and over the crossbar. The Bison were unable to build much of an attack besides long balls due to poor spacing, and the Dragons were constantly getting pulled offsides by NDSU’s organized defense. In the second half, both teams had more opportunities, but neither team could capitalize. NDSU had a few open shots, but they weren’t able to get anything behind them. MSUM had a couple of scrambles in front of the net, but Bison goalkeeper Nate Fitterer made a couple big saves. The Dragons’ closest opportunity happened in the final minute when the ball came off a MSUM player in the crowded NDSU penalty area, but the shot went off the post. The draw brings the Bison’s record to 1-0-2 and the Dragons’ record to 1-1-1.