???Despite the cold temperature Friday night, the competition between Buffalo and Eastern Michigan heated up UB Stadium.
???After a 4-0 start to begin the season, the Bulls (4-5-3, 0-4-1 Mid-American Conference) began a winless streak that consisted of five losses and two ties. With their MAC rivals trampling over them, the Bulls needed to earn a win against the Eastern Michigan Eagles.
???After two scoreless overtimes, the Eagles (7-3-4, 2-1-2 MAC) prevented the Bulls' first win in seven games to come to fruition, Friday's match ending in a 1-1 tie.
???"This was a great soccer game," said Bulls head coach Michael Thomas. "It was really entertaining for the crowd and for us."
???The match started off fast for the Bulls. Within almost three minutes from the start of the game, senior Brooke McCalla gave a quick pass to senior Andrea Vescio in front of the Eagles' net. Vescio did not waste the opportunity to get the game rolling, kicking the ball high past Eagles keeper Maggie Manville, putting the Bulls on the board.
???"We had the advantage of playing against her before," Vescio said. "We also tried to use her height against her."
???With the score 1-0 in favor of the Bulls, the game continued to the half with neither team allowing any more goals. Both teams' keepers boasted powerful saves and kept the game a defensive one.
???"It really was a team effort," said Vescio. "[Amy Coron] had a very good game and played hard for us."
???Shortly after the second period, the Eagles answered Vescio's goal with one of their own. Eagles freshman Stephanie Janssens shuffled a pass to senior Katie Zundel, who used the mass of players to sneak a shot past senior goalkeeper Amy Coron to score.
???The Bulls and Eagles, both trying to become victorious, ended overtime without a goal and went into another scoreless overtime.
???"We all worked hard and it was good to get off the losing streak," said sophomore forward Lindsey Bailey. "We just need work on the little things and stay mentally focused for the next game."
???Thomas feels that the game was a step up from their previous performances.
???"We looked light years ahead of what we've been doing the last few games," Thomas said. "I'm proud of them and their performance."
See Wednesday's issue of The Spectrum for coverage of Sunday's game against Central Michigan.
