TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The LSU soccer team recorded its second-straight Southeastern Conference draw on Friday, as the Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide played to a scoreless tie at the Alabama Soccer Complex in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
“I think that this game is a perfect example of how far we have come as a team,” said LSU head coach George Fotopoulos. “We came into a hostile environment, in front of a great crowd and I honestly believe that we outplayed Alabama tonight. We didn’t get a win, but when people left the field tonight, they realized the LSU is a good team.”
With the draw, the Tigers moved to a 7-3-3 overall record on the season and a 1-2-2 mark in the SEC. Alabama finished the day with an overall record of 9-4-1 and a 1-3-1 mark against conference opponents. The draw was the first between the two SEC Western Division rivals and only LSU’s second in the SEC.
The SEC Western Division rivals fought to a scoreless first half in the contest as the Tigers attempted five shots in the opening period versus Alabama’s two. Three of LSU’s first-half shots were on goal, while the Crimson Tide registered one.
“Once again, I’ll say this, a tie didn’t help us today, but it also didn’t hurt us,” Fotopoulos said. “We’re still right in the middle of the pack and a tie is always better than a loss. When it comes down to it, two more wins and we’ll be in the tournament.”
In the second half of play, LSU’s junior goalkeeper, Bonnie Otillio, recorded six saves and forced the overtime period by holding the Crimson Tide scoreless. Alabama fired off 10 shots in the period, while the Tigers were held to four. Otillio finished with her fifth shutout of the season.
“Bonnie (Otillio) is definitely a great player, but I have to give a lot of credit to the doctors at LSU, Dr. Bankston and his staff, for giving her the perfect amount of medicine and treatment that she needs for her back,” Fotopoulos said. “Our support staff does an incredible job and they always get our players ready to play their best.”
The Western Division battle was hard fought and the teams’ stats reflected the even matchup. Alabama finished the contest with 15 shots to the Tigers’ 10, while LSU ended with 23 fouls to the Crimson Tide’s 15. Alabama had eight corner kicks on Friday and the Tigers recorded six.
The LSU soccer team will next be in action on Sunday at 1 p.m. as the Tigers remain in Alabama to face the Auburn Tigers at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
LSU (7-3-3, 1-2-2) and Alabama (9-4-1, 1-3-1) play to a 0-0 draw.
LSU 0 0 0 0 – 0
Alabama 0 0 0 0 – 0
Yellow Card: Kim Zarzour: 69:26.