Seaside, Calif. --- Scoring a goal is the hardest thing to accomplish in soccer, and a 0-0 draw on Friday afternoon between the Cal State Monterey Bay Otters and UC San Diego Tritons showed that more than quality effort must occur.

The Otters (2-6-4, 1-4-2 CCAA) played Friday's match against the Tritons (9-3-2, 4-1-2 CCAA) with a stronger sense of team defense, after their heartbreaking 1-2 OT loss at Cal State Dominguez Hills. The first half saw only 3 shots for the Tritons, on a free kick in 22nd and a corner kick that immediately followed. Both were saved by Senior Evan Drake (Sacramento, Calif.) on his way to a 4 save, clean sheet for the game. 

The second half provided the Otters with their best opportunities at goal, as they spent the first 20 minutes dominating possession of the ball in the Tritons backfield. However, shots in the 47th, 54th, and 58th minute all shared a common theme: wide left. Tritons keeper Cameron McElfresh posted a clean sheet as well, with 3 saves.

Head Coach Rob Cummings was happy with the team's collective defensive effort, saying "Defense is a whole team, not just the backfield. They played an outstanding game today, but at the same time the midfielders and strikers had to do their role in getting back and helping us."

The Otters will look to continue their strong efforts on Sunday against Cal Poly Pomona. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. in the Otter Sports Complex.

GO OTTERS!