It was a new chapter but same story for John Carroll University.
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In the first Ohio Athletic Conference action of the 2016 season, John Carroll and Wilmington College produced a 0-0 draw at Don Shula Stadium. Both teams combined for 41 shots in the fixture, but no decisive strike from either attacking side was in the cards.
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The scoreless draw marks the fourth straight fixture for the Blue Streaks that did not produce a winner. John Carroll moves to 3-3-5 on the year. The fifth draw this year marks a new program record for ties in a season.
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Dominating midfield play from both sides dictated most of the pace and progression in the opening minutes of the match. Each team exchanged opportunities on goal, but no decisive touch came from either set of forwards.
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Dre Regrut free kick was one of the several good chances from the Blue Streak attack that was stonewalled.
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Although no crooked number was added to the Don Shula Stadium scoreboard, action inside the 18-yard box was abundant. The Blue Streaks fired off 10 shots with five attempts requiring intervention from Wilmington goalkeeper, Ana Hosler.
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Both Hosler and John Carroll net-minder
Rhianna Guarnera combined for nine saves in the first half action. The strong performances between the pipes for both sides forced a scoreless draw into the halftime break.
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Second half play was almost a carbon copy of play from the first half.
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The most threatening attack from the Blue Streaks came with just under 10 minutes to play in regulation.
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Bailey Fischer supplied a lofted service ball into the 18-yard box that found rapid fire. In the span of about 10 seconds, there were five shots from the John Carroll forwards that were either blocked or saved by the Wilmington defense, preserving the scoreless spot on the scoreboard.
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John Carroll controlled the majority of play in the final parts of the second half, manufacturing solid scoring opportunities as the regulation clock wound down.
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Even with a combined 31 shots from both sides in regulation, no go-ahead goal was provided, forcing extra time with a scoreless draw after two halves of play.
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Two extra periods of play would not decide a winner in the Ohio Athletic Conference opener for either side. Both John Carroll and Wilmington move to 0-0-1 in conference play after the scoreless draw.
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The result adds the fourth consecutive draw for the Blue Streaks this season, putting the overall record to 3-3-5 on the year. John Carroll has now gone without a loss since September 11.
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Also, John Carroll ends the five match winning streak that Wilmington brought to University Heights.Â
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