The Dordt University men's soccer team played to a scoreless draw against the University of St.Francis (Ill.) in a road match played at Joliet Memorial Stadium in Joliet, Ill. Today's match was the second in three days for the Defenders on this early season road trip to the Chicagoland area.

The Defenders controlled much of the match, outshooting the Fighting Saints 18-4 and generating six corner kicks to St. Francis' one. Despite the offensive pressure, Dordt was unable to convert its chances into goals, with six shots on target and several near misses throughout the contest.

Sophomore goalkeeper JD Petitt anchored the defense with a composed 90-minute performance, making a crucial save late in the second half to preserve the clean sheet. Petitt earned his first career shutout in a Defenders uniform. Dordt's back line, led by Pedro Menezes, Anton Forsch, and Levi Jaeger, kept the Saints at bay and limited their opportunities in the final third.

Offensively, Jacob Narkis, Tate Hansen, and Pablo Martin Domingo were active in the attack, each registering shots on goal. The Defenders nearly broke through in the final minutes when Narkis put a shot on-frame but was stopped by Saints goalkeeper Merlijn van def Veen.

The match featured a physical tone, with 22 total fouls and five yellow cards issued. Dordt received one caution, while St. Francis was shown four yellows and one red.

By the Numbers:

• the Defenders held a commanding 18-4 advantage in total shots, 6-1 with shots on-goal
• six different Defenders recorded a shot on-frame
• JD Petitt (0-1-1), making his second career start, made one save in the full 90 minutes
• Petitt and Levi Jaeger were the lone Defenders to play the full 90 minutes
• Jack Browne recorded the only shot on-goal for St.Francis while van Der Veen and Elio Di Gennaro combined for the shutout with six saves

The Defenders will play in their home opener against Bethel (Kan.) on Friday night, August 29, at 7pm

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