A matchup between two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Top 25 ranked teams ended in a scoreless tie after two overtimes.
The Baker men’s soccer team, No. 24, tied No. 7-ranked Park University 0-0 in double overtime Tuesday at Liston Stadium.
"We took them out of their game by playing our game," senior Jon Baldwin said.<br/>Baker had 21 shots in the game, with six of those being shots on goal. Goalie Alex Burton recorded seven saves in the shutout.Baker had 21 shots in the game, with six of those being shots on goal. Goalie Alex Burton recorded seven saves in the shutout.
Baker had 21 shots in the game, with six of those being shots on goal. Goalie Alex Burton recorded seven saves in the shutout.
Sophomore Matt Griffin was given a questionable red card in the 86th minute of the game and Baker had to play the rest of the game a man down. Griffin said he made a comment which the referee thought was directed at him and gave him a straight red card for descent, although the comment was not directed at the referee. Sophomore Jacob Chiarelli said usually a comment like that would result in a yellow card.
In the second overtime, the 102nd minute, junior Luke Haidarovic was pulled to the ground, inside the box by a Park player. A foul was not called, which would have resulted in a Baker penalty kick had it been called.
Baker already has played five teams ranked in the Top 25, with four of those teams being ranked in the Top 10. Southern Nazarene University is currently ranked No. 4, Oklahoma City University is No. 5, Park University is No. 7 and Azusa Pacific University is No. 9. The Wildcats will also face No. 16-ranked Benedictine College next Friday in Atchison.
Chiarelli said the tough schedule will benefit the team a lot and hopes it’s preparing them for the national tournament.
Baker is back in the Top 25 and has been ranked as high as No. 6 this season.
The Wildcats have played their last four games at home and are 3-0-1 in those games,and 4-0-1 since the trip to California to face Azusa Pacific University.
Baldwin said the team progressively is getting better and for the season so far, it is making steps in the right direction.
“I just think that each game is a building block for us,” Griffin said.
Baker’s record is 7-2-2 overall, and the team is undefeated in conference play after three games.
The Wildcats will play their fifth straight home game against Lindenwood University at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at North Park.