Fighting Hawks End Season with 0-0 Draw Against St. Thomas
Grand Forks, ND - The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's soccer team closed out their 2023 season with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against the St. Thomas Tommies on Saturday afternoon at Bronson Field.
The Fighting Hawks, despite ending the season on a positive note, finished the year with a 4-10-4 record. The draw marked the third time this season that UND had ended a game in a stalemate.
A Tightly Contested Battle
The game was a defensive struggle from start to finish, with both teams showcasing strong defensive strategies and goalkeeping performances. Both teams were unable to break through for a goal, leading to a scoreless draw.
"I'm proud of the way we battled today," said Head Coach Matt Holmes. "We had some good chances, but ultimately, we couldn't find the back of the net. This was a tough game to watch, but a testament to how both teams played."
Looking Ahead to Next Season
Despite the final result, the Fighting Hawks have reason to be optimistic about the future. Several young players gained valuable experience this season, and with the addition of new talent, the program is poised for continued growth in the coming years.
"We're disappointed with the way the season ended, but we're already looking ahead to next year," Holmes said. "We have a lot of young talent coming back, and we're excited to see what we can accomplish next season."
Key Takeaways from the Game:
- The Fighting Hawks outshot St. Thomas 12-9, demonstrating their offensive effort.
- Both teams were evenly matched in terms of possession.
- The game was tightly contested throughout, showcasing the defensive prowess of both teams.
The draw against St. Thomas concluded a challenging 2023 season for the Fighting Hawks. While the team will look to improve upon their overall record next season, this final game demonstrated the grit and determination that will carry the program forward.