Peoria, Ill. – The Bradley soccer team stays undefeated after eight games following a 0-0 draw against Green Bay. The Braves (4-0-4) are alongside Missouri State as the only two unbeaten teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Game Recap
Bradley had a new face in the starting lineup as Junior
Mo Bouchafrati got his first start of the 2023 season.
The opening half of the game was very intense between the two sides. The Braves applied high pressure on Green Bay's defense, which led the Phoenixes to make mistakes for Bradley to regain possession.
Both teams had two shots during the first half, but neither squad would create dangerous opportunities to open the scoring.
During the second half, the Phoenixes had more possession of the ball. However, Green Bay would struggle to generate danger on Bradley goalkeeper
Alex Grow's net. Bradley showcased one of their greatest strengths of the season, staying organized on defense and not letting the visitors feel comfortable.
As the half progressed, Green Bay began to pressure the Bradley defense. Grow had two crucial saves during the second half to keep things even and give the Braves their fourth clean sheet of the 2023 season.
Notable Statistics
After Bradley and Green Bay each played physical games against SIUE and Purdue-Fort Wayne, respectively, on Saturday, both teams elected to play a little more conservative while maintaining intensity. This morning's game saw only 16 fouls called with no bookings, compared to the Bradley-SIUE game having 38 fouls called with seven yellow cards and Green Bay-PFW seeing 39 fouls called with seven yellow cards, including a player being sent off for accruing two yellow cards.
The two teams combined for 15 total shots throughout the game with only two being on goal, both by GB and saved by Alex Grow.
Coach DeRose's Postgame Comments
Head Coach
Jim DeRose shared his thoughts after the 0-0 draw. He also analyzed upcoming rivals Bowling Green and Missouri State.
Coming Up
The Braves will be back in action next Saturday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. as they head to Ohio to face Bowling Green. Bradley has a 2-0 winning record against Bowling Green. The last meeting between both teams was in 1999 at Shea Stadium, where Bradley secured a 4-1 victory. BU is facing the Falcons for the first time as an MVC foe as Bowling Green becomes new conference rivals this season.
