Shields’ Heroics Carry Cougars to 0-0 Draw with No. 3 UNC

Tuesday, October 18

Mt. Pleasant

7:00 PM

College of Charleston

3-6-3; 1-2-2

North Carolina

10-2-2; 4-1-1

OT 3

OT 4

North Carolina

Col. of Charleston

Photo by: Michael Wiser

Shields’ Heroics Carry Cougars to 0-0 Draw with No. 3 UNC

10/18/2016 10:37:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Post Game Highlights

By: Chris Chandler, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. – The College of Charleston men's soccer team (3-6-3) squared off against the No. 3 team in the nation Tuesday night, and thanks to a stellar evening from goalkeeper Kevin Shields, the Cougars managed to play the UNC Tar Heels (10-2-2) to a scoreless draw.

• The Cougars played with their backs to the wall, particularly in the second half when the Tar Heels put up 13 of their 17 total shots. Shields stood on his head, not only making 10 saves in the draw, but making at least four of which were of a high degree of difficulty and utterly game-saving. In contrast, UNC's James Pyle only faced eight CofC shots, two of which he was called upon to save.

• Shields absolutely robbed UNC's Zach Wright not once, but twice. The first time, Lewis fired one on frame from just outside the box. The save ricocheted dangerously toward another Tar Heel, but a scrambling Shields gobbled up the ball just in time. The second time, Wright busted loose for a breakaway, only for Shields to stonewall him at point-blank range.

• Tuesday marked the third time this season that the Cougars managed to tie a team earning love in the national polls. Previously, the College tied (RV) Elon 1-1, and just last week, tied (RV) UNCW by the same score. All three such-ties have occurred within the friendly confines of Patriots Point.

• Nico Rittmeyer had three shots for the Cougars to lead the team, although none found their way on target.

"Kevin was amazing tonight, boy he came through," head coach Ralph Lundy said. "He reacted on a couple of his saves, and as a 6'4" guy with that gigantic wingspan, that quickness was just something else. He had a great night, and he inspired the rest of the players. Everybody played with guts and hearts and focus, and you have to against a team like UNC."

The Cougars resume CAA competition Saturday night on the road, when they travel to Williamsburg, Va. for a conference clash with William & Mary (7-6-2; 1-3-2 vs. CAA). That contest is scheduled for 7 p.m.