The No. 3 Grand Valley State Lakers dominated every offensive statistic except the scoreline in a scoreless draw against the Ashland Eagles in a non-conference, in-region matchup Sunday (Sept. 16). GVSU took 21 shots, including ten on target and a pair off woodwork, but could not score. The Lakers move to 5-0-1 on the year while the Eagles now sit at 5-0-2 this season. 

"Our back five and goalkeeper were great today. They made good decisions on the ball and really helped establish dominant possession throughout the match," said Laker head coach Jeff Hosler. "Their organization and closing ability helped us press effectively higher up the field when we lost possession."
 
The draw is the first for Grand Valley State since 2016 and the first scoreless draw since October 26, 2014 against Michigan Tech. GVSU out-shot Ashland 21-10, had 10 shots on goal compared to Ashland's two and earned 12 corner kicks to the Eagles three, but it wasn't enough to earn a win. The Lakers best chance came late in the first overtime, when Ava Cook hit the post with a header and Olivia Trombley drilled the crossbar on the rebound. The Lakers took 44 shots over their two weekend matches but found just one goal. 

"Our inability to finish and get intentional runners in the box was a real issue again today," Hosler said. "We have to play with a greater hunger in the final third and create more opportunites off the ball."
 
Madz Ham was shown a yellow card in the match, the first time a Laker has been booked this season. Jessica Radice pitched her fifth straight shutout, saving both Eagle shots on frame. She has still allowed just one goal this season, which came on a penalty kick. Cook and Sydney O'Donnell each took four shots and two on target. Freshmen Darline Radamaker and Madeline Becker each made their first career starts.

"We were unfortunate not to come away with a better result today, but this lesson of urgency has crept into several matches this year and it finally caught up with us," said Hosler.

The Lakers look to regain that urgency and stay undefeated on Tuesday (Sept. 18) when they host Indianapolis at 7 PM at the GVSU Soccer Field for a third match in five days. GVSULakers.com will provide live video and stats of the match and all of the action will be live-tweeted by @GVSUSoccer.