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DeKALB, Ill. - The IUPUI men's soccer team put up a strong defensive effort, blanking Northern Illinois in a 0-0 draw in exhibition play on Saturday (Aug. 17) night. The goalkeeping duo of Eduardo Cortes and Christian Lomeli teamed to make nine saves, including Lomeli stopping a penalty kick in the game's 64th minute. 

Being exhbition play, the two coaches agreed to halt action after 90 minutes, rather than play overtime. 

IUPUI had offensive opportunities early as Evan Smith had a shot go high of target following a corner kick and Michael Sass skied a header over the crossbar on the Jaguars' second corner of the night. Senior Gregory Efiom had a shot stopped by Andrew Glaeser in the 29th minute. 

The Jaguars' defense caught a break in the 36th minute when an Issac Kannah drive hit the crossbar rather than tucking into the net. Freshman Kirklin Ring also got an attempt on frame in the 37th minute, only to have it stopped by NIU reserve keeper Mike Pavliga. 

"We had four 1-v-1's with the goalkeeper in the first half and couldn't finish," IUPUI Head Coach Isang Jacob said. "But, we created chances. We possessed the ball well and created opportunities. I was very pleased with that. We're coming off seven practices, so I was happy with how we were able to make things happen."

The night's best scoring chance for either side came in the 64th minute when NIU's Chris Bernard was awarded a penalty kick. Having entered the match less than two minutes prior, Lomeli stopped the PK try and later snuffed a Charlie Oliver header to keep the game deadlocked. 

Lomeli stayed busy, making six saves in less than 30 minutes work. 

Both teams pushed for a goal in the final minutes with NIU's Shawn Vroom hitting a post in the 87th minute and Lomeli stopped the ensuing rebound try by James Stevenson. Efiom and Cristian Soto both had quality chances for the Jags in the final 10 minutes, but neither were able to cash in.

NIU closed with a 13-10 shot advantage and 9-2 edge in shots on goal. Efiom, Soto and senior Ian Block had two shots each for the Jaguars and NIU's Jason Leseth finished with a game-high four attempts. 

Five freshmen were among the Jaguars' starting 11 and 11 different rookies made their collegiate debuts on Saturday night. 

"I was very impressed with the whole group. When we subbed, the level didn't drop off. It's very evident that the depth is there this year," Jacob said. "Right now, no positions are secure and that includes our Summit League Goalie of the Year. There's a fight for every position on the field and that's going to make us a better team."

After going 1-6-2 away from home a year ago, Saturday's tie was a welcome result.

"I wanted to make sure we started on the road and worked out some of the road jitters," Jacob said. "The last time we played these guys, they scored 34 seconds in and beat us 3-0. 

"We still have some things to work on in our defensive shape and obviously in finishing, but tonight was a good start. I was very impressed."

IUPUI will continue the exhibition slate on Friday, Aug. 23 when the Jaguars head west to take on SIU-Edwardsville at 8:00 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central).