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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Cornell men's soccer made an impressive statement in its season opener, battling #2 Louisville to a scoreless draw at raucous Lynn Stadium on Friday night. Senior goalkeeper Zach Zagorski picked up right where he left off last season, staving off four shots to mark his first clean sheet of the season and sixth of his career.
 
Cornell (0-0-1) could not have asked for a much more difficult way to kick off the 2014 campaign than what it faced Friday evening. The second-ranked Cardinals entered the matchup coming off a huge victory over previously No. 2 Maryland and were playing in front of a "Red-Out" crowd of 5,749 boisterous Louisville supporters. In fact, Louisville (1-0-1) represented the highest-ranked team Cornell has ever faced in its 108-year program history. While the cards were stacked against the Big Red, no pun intended, the team rose to the occasion in the 0-0 tie.
 
Perhaps the biggest question the Big Red faced heading into the season was how it would contend with the graduation of three senior backline starters, including Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Slogic, from last season's record-setting defense. It is safe to say the team answered that question in emphatic fashion in neutralizing the Cardinals' potent attack. Louisville outshot the Big Red, 18-6, in the matchup; however, the Big Red defense did a fantastic job of insulating the net. Of the 18 total shots, only four managed to find their way on goal, as the Big Red continually nullified the Cardinals' attempts at net.
 
The Big Red warmed to the task as the game progressed. Cornell racked up four shots in the second half and two in the overtime periods, controlling play for vast stretches of the final 65 minutes. Seniors Peter Chodas and Devin Morgan recorded the two shots on net for the Big Red.
 
The Big Red used a total team approach in the matchup, as 19 players saw playing time in the contest. Head coach Jaro Zawislan rotated subs frequently throughout the match to keep players fresh in the oppressive environment. The temperature at opening kick approached 90 degrees despite the nearly 9 p.m. start time, and it remained humid throughout the contest.
 
Up next for the Big Red will be the second leg of its Midwest road trip, as the team travels to Cincinnati for a matchup with Xavier. Opening kick is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.