WILBURTON, Oklahoma -- Wednesday's game between Eastern and Northern Oklahoma College featured everything but a goal in a 0-0 tie at Wilburton.

The tie evened the Mavs' record at 1-1-1.

There were two overtimes, a thirty minute lightning delay, good shots, great saves, and fantastic bouts of possession by the Mavs.  Northern completely dominated the game as Eastern rarely had the ball, and when the Mountaineers did they just kicked the ball forward trying to get in behind the Mavs defense.  That strategy didn't bother the Mavericks as the Northern defenders were able to pick off the passes and deny Eastern shots on goal.  The Mountaineers were only able to muster two shots in 110 minutes with only one forcing a save by Northern goalkeeper Vanessa Markl.  Unfortunately the Mavericks strategy of keeping the ball didn't produce any goals either despite taking twenty-two shots, and forcing the Mountaineer goalkeeper to make fourteen saves, some of which were spectacular.  

"We played great soccer," said coach Michael DuRoy.  " We can move the ball, keep the ball, and today we defended better.  We were more balanced defensively.  We created several good chances in the attack.  Some we just missed and others were great saves by their goalkeeper.  The goals will come in time we just need to keep playing our style and take the chances when they come." 

NOC (1-1-1) hosts Crowder in the home opener Sunday at 2 p.m.