As far as 0-0 ties go, this was about as good as it gets for Cougar men's soccer.

Playing in front of a large and loud crowd in their home opener, the Cougars missed a few chances, but overall put forth an exceptionally spirited effort to tie #22 Master's College, the 2009 NAIA National Runner-Up.

CSUSM is now 2-2-1 on the year.  Master's is 0-1-2.

It was a physical battle between two teams that certainly had the quality to finish off chances, but refused to allow each other many good ones.  Most of the action occurred in the center of the pitch, though Cougar keeper Kevin Ernst was called on to make a couple saves, and Cougar captain Bradley Seidenglanz whistled a rocket shot from inside the box about 6 inches over the crossbar in overtime.

The young Cougar team looked fit and full of energy, and the crowd appreciated the effort, giving the team a standing ovation following the match that persisted well into the night.

CSUSM will play this Saturday at Westmont College, and at home next Wednesday against regional rival Point Loma, starting at 5:30 PM.