Despite plenty of scoring opportunities on both sides the Lee men's soccer team settled for a 0-0 double overtime draw against Trevecca Nazarene University on Friday night to open up the 2017 season.
The Flames fired 22 shots while the Trojans took 21 of their own during the 110-minute action packed battle. Lee placed six shots on frame while Trevecca had eight on target.
Despite all the challenges both goalkeepers kept the ball out of the back of the net.
Drew Jackson and Jose Orellana led Lee with eight and seven shots each.
Trevecca's Reed Coffman proved to be a force as he took six shots, three of which were on goal while Jake Singer tallied five shots
"I thought both teams had plenty of scoring chances but we just were not able to connect," said head coach Derek Potteiger after coaching his first game as leader of the Flames. "Early in the season you need to refine some things. I thought Trevecca did a nice job of making
Lee keeper Tristan Putnam recorded eight saves in keeping the clean sheet but none were more valuable than two acrobatic saves on consecutive close-ranged shots in the 82nd minute to keep the Trojans off the board.
"The first shot was a quick shot out wide and I threw up my hand and the second shot was a header and it was just one of those situations we work on in practice all the time so I just tried to react and trust my instincts," Putnam noted when asked about the play. "We all were really excited to finally get out there and play a game that counted. We are disappointed with the tie but we'll get back to work on Sunday."
When asked about his senior goalie Potteiger was quick to note, "The play late in the game was special and in a lot of ways he was one of the best players on the field out there tonight. He took good angles to the balls and his decision making was very good. He was big key for us back there."
Tyler Delgado matched Putnam in goal for the Nashville club as he recorded six saves while turning away several scoring chances for the Flames in the first half.
Trevecca earned seven corner kicks while Lee settled for four. The physical contest featured 35 fouls and three yellow cards.
The Flames will look to get in the win column on Sunday as they head back to the Lee Soccer Field to host Anderson University at 4 p.m. Friday's match was moved to Boyd-Buchanan School and played on their turf field due to wet field conditions.
Anderson opened the season with a 1-0 victory over Montevallo to start off the day at Boyd-Buchanan.