Pachniuk matches program's career shutout mark as Wheaton battles nationally-ranked Wesleyan to overtime draw

October 3, 2006

MIDDLETOWN, CT- Senior goalkeeper Matt Pachniuk (Newtown, CT/Newtown) matched Wheaton College's men's soccer program's career shutout mark as the Lyons battled nationally-ranked Wesleyan University to a 0-0 overtime draw in Tuesday's non-conference game at North Field. The game was called after the first 10-minute overtime period due to darkness.

Giving the Cardinals their first blemish of the 2006 season, Wheaton also prevented Wesleyan from matching a program-record eighth straight win to begin a season set in 1964. Tied for 10th in New England according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), the Lyons move to 6-3-3 on the year. Ranked 14th nationally and second in the region, the Cardinals fall to 7-0-1.

Wheaton, which has grown accustomed to overtime games this fall after playing in six extra-session contests through its first 12 games, is one shy of tying the team's overtime record of seven set in 1996. The Blue and White also had six during the 1994 campaign. Wheaton is 2-1-3 in its overtime games thus far.

Pachniuk, who entered this afternoon's contest with 25 career complete-game shutouts, tied Jon Girolamo's '98 record of 26 with his third blanking of the fall. Pachniuk registered nine shutouts his freshman season, eight during his sophomore campaign and six in the fall of 2005.

Pachniuk played an integral part in holding the host Cardinals scoreless, finishing the game with eight saves, including four huge point-blank stops during one-on-one situations. Wheaton's best scoring chance came midway through the second half on a header from sophomore Dan Lane (Dedham, MA/Worcester Academy) directed toward the upper right corner of the net, but Cardinal junior goalie Matt Gnall (Morristown, NJ/Saint Peter's Prep School) managed to punch the ball out of harm's way.

Gnall was credited with seven stops in the tie, as Wesleyan held a 12-10 advantage in shots and a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.

Wheaton resumes play on Saturday with a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) home game against the United States Coast Guard Academy on Keefe Field at 1:00 p.m. Coast Guard is currently ranked ninth in New England.

SCORING: 1st 2nd OT Final
Wheaton (6-3-3) 0 0 0 0
Wesleyan (7-0-1) 0 0 0 0

Goalie Saves: WC- Matt Pachniuk 8; WU- Matt Gnall 7

Shots: WC- 10; WU- 12

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