LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Western State Colorado University and Colorado Christian University played to a 0-0 draw on Friday in Denver. The Mountaineers managed to hold on for a crucial Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference point on the road.
 
For Western (4-5-1, 3-3-1 RMAC), it was their first draw in RMAC play and only second tie of the season. The point puts Western into a three-way tie for sixth place in the conference standings with CSU-Pueblo and New Mexico Highlands University. All three teams have 10 conference points.
 
CCU (4-7-2, 1-5-2 RMAC) got off to a fast start. The Cougars bombarded the Mountaineer defense, outshooting Western 9-2 in the first half.
 
Goalkeeper Katie Simpson-Johnson played the first 45 minutes of the match for the Mountaineers, posting a first-half shutout. Simpson-Johnson helped keep Western in the match, making three saves.
 
At halftime, Western regrouped and came out gunning for the game winner in the second 45 minutes. The Mountaineer offense applied more pressure, getting the ball into the CCU defensive third. Although the shots don't give credit to the Western offensive effort, the Mountaineers threatened the Cougars late into regulation.
 
Playing the second half and overtime in net for Western was Emilie Eckhart. The 5'11" keeper made two terrific saves in regulation, including a sprawling effort that saved a goal in the initial minutes of the second half.   
 
After 90 minutes, CCU had outshot Western 14-2, but momentum favored the visiting team heading into overtime.
 
The Mountaineers turned the pressure up another notch in overtime, outshooting CCU 3-1.
 
However, neither team could find the back of the net as they settled on a 0-0 draw. It's the fourth shutout of the season for the Western defense.
 
The Mountaineers are now 1-0-2 in overtime matches this season.
 
The draw ended a two-match losing streak for the Mountaineers.
 
Western will continue the road trip on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. against No. 6 Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.