NEWBURGH, N.Y. – If only all college soccer games could be like the one played Thursday evening in Newburgh, as Mount Saint Mary College and Sage played to a scoreless draw in a very well-contested Skyline Conference match. The Knights bumped their record to 0-7-1 overall (0-1-1 Skyline), while the Gators moved to 2-4-1 overall (1-0-1 Skyline).

Nervous tension filled the air before the game as a pair of brothers prepared to go head-to-head. Mount sophomore Brian Southworth (Newburgh, N.Y.) and Sage freshman Evan Southworth (Newburgh, N.Y.) competing against one another for the first time in their collegiate careers set the stage well for a game that did not disappoint the large crowd in attendance.

The intensity was high from the opening whistle, but it was the Mount who had the better of the play in the opening half. The best chance for the Knights came in the 25th minute, as senior Francesco Marando (Slate Hill, N.Y.) fought through a cluster of Sage defenders and fired shot that went just wide of the frame.

Marando also opened up the second half with another dangerous chance, making a nice turn in the box to release a shot that stayed outside the right post.

It was Sage, however, who took control of the game in the second period. In the 51st minute, Evan Southworth played a nice diagonal ball to freshman Chris Giustina (Enfield, Conn.) who forced Mount freshman goalkeeper Matthew Darling (Staatsburg, N.Y.) to make an excellent save.

In the 64th minute, the Gators created one of their best chances of the night and a shot from freshman Chris Peralta (Wyandanch, N.Y.) hit squarely on the crossbar before being cleared away by the Knights.

Scoreless through the rest of regulation and through most of the first overtime period, Mount Saint Mary had an opportunity for the game-winner as sophomore Kevin Ryan (Bay Shore, N.Y.) moved forward to take a shot in the 99th minute. His attempt was blocked away by a Sage defender for a corner kick, but the Knights couldn't take advantage with the set piece.

In the opening minute of the second overtime, Sage had the best scoring chance of the night. With Darling off of his line to track down a loose ball in the box, Sage gained control and Giustina rifled a shot that was destined for the back of the net. Senior defender Chris Boydston (Highland Mills, N.Y.) stood firm on the goal line, though, and saved the attempt with his head.

Darling would need one more spectacular save to preserve the scoreless draw for the Knights, and it came in the 103rd minute. After a clean pass through the box, Evan Southworth chipped the ball on net and Darling made a wonderful diving save to his left.

The Mount's rookie goalkeeper would finish the evening with seven saves. Sage freshman goalkeeper Carmen Volpe (Cohoes, N.Y.) tallied four stops for the Gators.

Following the game, it was a relieved set of Southworth parents on the sidelines.

“I thought both guys did an outstanding job and I'm very proud of both of them,” said father Brian Southworth. “I liked that they went head-to-head and didn't back down from one another.”

Melissa Southworth, the mother, was a little more reserved in her comments. After all, she was wearing red to indicate her rooting neutrality.

“We were hoping for a zero-zero tie, and we got our wish,” said Mrs. Southworth. “Both boys played extremely well.”

With little time to revel in a game well played, the Knights return to action on Saturday with a road trip to Maritime College. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start in the Bronx.