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EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The IUPUI men's soccer team put up its best defensive effort of the season on Wednesday night (Oct. 18), playing SIUE to a scoreless draw at the Cougars' Korte Stadium. Redshirt freshman Michael Buck recorded six saves in his first career shutout as the Jaguars were outshot 23-3 on the evening. 

The shot disparity wasn't of consequence though as many of the Cougars' attempts were from long distance or easily handled by Buck. 

SIUE (6-7-1) is a year removed from winning a pair of games in the NCAA Tournament and came in having won three of its past four matches. However, a determined group of Jaguars kept them off the board, playing a compact formation in the back third. 

"Tonight was a great defensive performance. Each and every player fought hard for 110 minutes," freshman defender Tommy Patacca said. 

IUPUI's (0-11-1) best scoring chance may have been one that never got developed. In the 98th minute, it appeared as though sophomore Yan Souza had gotten loose on a breakaway, but was fouled from behind just inside midfield, meriting a yellow card for SIUE's Austin Polster. On the ensuing free kick, junior Nick Anderson flared a ball into traffic that Patacca flicked on frame for an easy save for SIUE keeper Kyle Dal Santo. 

IUPUI's only other shot attempts came from Souza and Pedro Valladao. 

SIUE's attack was led by five shot attempts apiece from Jorge Gonzalez and Victor Aguiar. Gonzalez pinged the outside of the post in the 87th minute on a shot to Buck's left. SIUE also enjoyed a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks, but was unable to cash in on the restart disparity. 

"Shutouts always feel good, even if you tie. All the credit goes to my back line for the incredible work they put in to make my job easier," Buck said. "And credit to the rest of the team for their hard work. It was a true team effort tonight and everyone gave it their all.

"Tonight was about sending a message that this team does not quit and this team always comes out to compete."

IUPUI moved to 1-2-1 all-time against the Cougars. 

The Jaguars will return home to host Green Bay on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 22) at 1:00 p.m.. Seniors Harold Agyeman-Prempeh and Uriel Macias will be honored that day as part of the annual Senior Day festivities. That contest will be broadcast on ESPN3.