INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Grace's men's soccer team was shut out for only the second time this season in a 0-0 draw at Marian on Wednesday.
The tie drops Grace into second place in the Crossroads League standings behind Indiana Wesleyan with one regular-season game remaining.
Wednesday's match with the Knights (7-8-2, 4-3-1 CL) did not lack for shots despite the scoreless draw. The teams combined for 29 attempts with Marian holding a 16-13 advantage over the Lancers (11-4-1, 6-1-1 CL).
Grace took the first three shots of the match, although Grace's first shot from Daniel Smith was not until over 20 minutes had expired.
The Knights tried two shots over the final three minutes of the half, but neither was converted as the teams headed into halftime. Each team recorded three shots over the first 45 minutes.
The offensive action ramped up in the second half as the period saw 16 shot attempts. Justin Festa, Damon Binkley, Hector Torres, Dominic Harris and Smith all tried for the game winner in the second half to no avail. Marian also came up empty despite a 9-7 advantage in shots in the second half.
Marian had a pair dangerous opportunities midway into the first overtime period but misfired each time. Grace countered with a chance of its own. Harris charged through Marian's defense on the left side of the field, but his hard, high shot was saved.
The match went to a second and final overtime session where fatigue began to take effect. The last 10 minutes passed without a shot attempt at either goal, resulting in a 0-0 draw after 110 minutes of play.
Robbie Barnhill made seven saves as Grace's goalkeeper to grab his seventh shutout. Harris led Grace's offense with four shots.
The Lancers' last regular-season match is on Saturday at Miller Athletic Complex against Taylor. Grace, who will celebrate Senior Night before the match, has already wrapped up no worse than second in the Crossroads League. For Grace to earn a share of the league title, the Lancers need a win over Taylor and help in the form of a tie/loss for Indiana Wesleyan. The CL Tournament kicks off on Oct. 31.
