UNION — Juan Orozco and the Kean University men’s soccer defense absorbed pressure from No. 17 University of Scranton throughout the second half, turning away the Royals’ chances and preserving a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw Wednesday night at Kean Alumni Stadium.
Scranton controlled much of the attacking play, finishing with a 23-9 advantage in shots and a 12-1 edge in corner kicks. But the Royals managed just four shots on goal, with Orozco making four crucial saves to keep the game scoreless.
“We were very organized and plugged in from the first minute,” Orozco said. “The intensity and commitment were there, the job was clear since the beginning for us. We knew it wouldn’t be an easy game, but that’s what we have worked for. Everybody did their part, which set us up for a great game.”
Neither team found the breakthrough during a relatively even first half. Kean managed one shot on goal before halftime, while Scranton began to create more opportunities after the break.
The Royals came close to taking the lead in the second half, hitting the crossbar twice as they continued to pressure the Cougars. Orozco turned away all four shots he faced after halftime, while Kean’s backline helped prevent Scranton from converting its attacking pressure into a goal.
Despite being outshot by a significant margin, Kean stayed organized defensively and continued to keep the nationally ranked Royals off the scoreboard.
“This clean sheet reflects all of the hard work and determination of this group,” Orozco said. “We have been working for games like this since the preseason, and this is only the beginning for us. This is a team with a lot of heart, that has a lot of passion. Rather than individually, we work as a unit, and that showed yesterday.”
The draw moves Kean to (1-1-2) on the season, while No. 17 Scranton moves to (2-0-1). The Cougars return to action Saturday at 11 a.m. when they host New York University.
