After a frustrating loss to the University of New Hampshire last week, the Big Green was looking for a win in its Ivy League opener against the Bulldogs. However, robust defensive play and strong goalkeeping kept the game scoreless through the 110th minute.
Although the Big Green was unable to find the back of the net, Dartmouth's frontline demonstrated far more offensive action than last week.
"It was a major improvement over Wednesday," Dartmouth keeper Sean Milligan '09 said. "Everyone on the team played better."
The Big Green had 17 shots in the game, coming from a range of different players. In the first half, Dartmouth had five shots to Yale's three, while the Big Green outshot the Bulldogs nine to four in the second half. Unfortunately, none of Dartmouth's shots found their way into the goal.
Yale goalie Erik Geiger had seven saves on the night.
"We were fine creating chances, just unlucky finishing," Ben Salmon '10 said. "[Yale's] goalie played very well."
Geiger was able to hold off several impressive shots by the Big Green offense. Dartmouth players Craig Henderson '09, Dani Rothenberg '09 and Tommy Lobben '08 all had solid strikes that were saved by Yale's keeper.
"Their keeper made big saves all day to keep them in the game," midfielder Matt Carroll '09 said.
At the opposite end of the field, Dartmouth's back line created a virtually impenetrable wall, allowing the Bulldogs only eight shots overall.
"Our defense was great. [Ale Frischeisen '08] was unbelievable, making great stops," Pumi Maqubela '10 said.
Yale's lone shot on goal came early in the second half, but was blocked by Dartmouth keeper Milligan. The game was Milligan's sixth shutout of the year.
Still scoreless at the end of regulation play, the game headed to the first 10-minute overtime.
Dartmouth's offense was held back by two offside penalties. Yale was not able to convert a goal from its one corner kick, and Dartmouth's Matt Miller '09 had the only shot of the period.
In the second overtime Dartmouth was presented with a number of scoring opportunities, but Yale's keeper was able to hold on to everything that came his way.
"We had three or four chances," Carroll said. "[Henderson] had a good chance, I had a shot, Dani had a shot. The goalie was being bombarded, but we got no rebounds."
Tensions ran high as Yale player Tyler Guse was fouled just outside the 18-yard box, setting up a free kick for the Bulldogs with two minutes left in the period. But the kick was deflected by Dartmouth defenders and Yale was not able to score during the proceeding corner.
With just seconds left in the game, Rothenberg hit a rocket at Yale's net, but a spectacular save by Geiger ended Dartmouth's chance for a win and sealed the game at 0-0.
The contest was a physical match, with both sides receiving a high number of penalties. Yale was called for 18 fouls and Dartmouth for 15.
The tie moves Dartmouth's record to 6-2-2, 0-0-1 Ivy. The game was also adds another draw to Yale's record (1-4-2, 0-0-1 Ivy).
Dartmouth and Yale now sit together in 4th place in the Ivy League standings, behind Harvard, Brown and Penn, all of whom posted wins in last weekend's games.
The Big Green continues its Ivy League schedule with a game against the University of Pennsylvania next weekend. Despite a slow start to the season, Penn, (3-4-2, 1-0-0 Ivy), posted a win over rival Columbia on Saturday night.
"They are better than the record shows," Milligan said.
Saturday's match in Philadelphia is set for 4:30 p.m.
