Durham, N.C. – The Fordham men's soccer team kicked off its 2017 season on Friday night at the annual John Rennie Nike Invitational, hosted by Duke University. The Rams' opening game against the Elon Phoenix was a physical one with six total yellow cards and 40 combined fouls between the two teams, but neither squad conceded a goal, playing to a 0-0 draw.
This is the second straight season that Fordham has opened the year with a draw, as they tied UMBC last season, 1-1.
Both goalkeepers were tested early on, as Fordham's
Rashid Nuhu made a diving stop to the left post on a shot by Jack Willbye in the 13
th minute, while Elon's Matthew Jegier just got a piece of a shot from
Patrick Thees in the 15
th minute to keep the game scoreless.
Patrick Thees
Nuhu picked up two more saves in the second half for a total of three in the game, as he recorded his 14
th career shutout.
Elon finished with a 15-12 edge in shots, while Fordham had seven corner kicks to Elon's four.
Janos Loebe and
Jannik Loebe each had three shots to lead the way for Fordham, while
Ross Willox and Thees each had two.
The Fordham men's soccer team will wrap up its stay at the John Rennie Nike Invitational on Sunday, August 27
th, when the Rams play Duke at 2:30 PM.
