MSOC Blanked vs Chatham

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – The Bethany Bison led off a conference doubleheader against the Chatham Cougars. The Green and White turned up the offense in the second half, taking double digit shots. However, they went a scoreless 90 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Chatham.  

The Bison and the Cougars had an almost identical game in terms of statistics and flow, just inverted halves. Bethany had a slower start to the game. They struggled to maintain possession of the ball and get quality shots on goal. 

The Cougars, on the other hand, put up 11 shots in the first 45 minutes. That volume resulted in the game's lone goal entering Bethany's net and the 30 minute mark. 

Bethany had similar volume in the second half, rifling 10 shots. The offensive difference between the two teams was shot quality, with Bethany only having five on goal throughout the game. Chatham aimed nine in between the posts.

Another key point was fouls. As the offensive aggressiveness ramped up, so did the mistakes. The Bison had four yellows in the second half, giving the Cougars the ball in instances when the Bison were building offensive momentum. 

Bethany had one last opportunity within a minute of time expiring. Chatham got caught offside, giving Bethany the ball. The Bison rushed the ball down the field, passing it off to Ousainou Conateh. The forward created enough space and attempted to sneak the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal post. The Chatham goalie was able to save the shot, and the game as the Cougars held onto a 1-0 lead throughout the last hour of play. 

The Bison (0-9-1) will come back to Bethany for Homecoming Week. Franciscan (7-1-3) will take a short trip to Hoag field for a 4 p.m. kickoff on Tuesday.