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FISHERS – Tuesday's boys soccer match between top-ranked Noblesville and No. 2 Fishers was every bit the heavyweight bout most expected it would be: a physical battle ultimately defined by defensive denials, a few clutch saves and a handful of missed opportunities.
Was the 0-0 draw the most skilled match you'll ever see? No. But that sometimes happens in these 1-2 matchups, Noblesville coach Ken Dollaske said. "You just get all these high-energy (players) trying to completely run the other team off the field."
"Did our boys play well? Yeah. Could we have done some things better? Absolutely," he continued. "We could have connected a few more passes — we kind of turned it into kickball every now and then — but overall, I think this was a very good test for us and it shows that we definitely have a very quality team."
Here's what you need to know from Tuesday's showdown.
Bad luck, but good signs
This may sound counterintuitive following a scoreless contest, but the Millers' offense was perhaps the biggest positive Tuesday night.
Dollaske moved some pieces around based on the matchup, so there was a feeling-out period at the outset of the match as players adjusted to "all of that fluidity going on," but as they settled in, they began maintaining possession and generating scoring chances.
"Once we found our groove, we were able to really show that we're a good attacking team," he said.
To their credit, the Millers did look really sharp for long stretches offensively — they just couldn't buy a goal. The two most notable misses came off a pair of set pieces by senior midfielder Brayden Doll.
The first, which came from about 25 yards out midway through the first half, rang off the left post. With his second attempt, he found his center back, who knocked it over to forward Palmer Ault — whose header hit off the crossbar.
"We basically did everything we could possibly do without putting the ball in the back of the net," Dollaske said. "I definitely think we found the good attacking ball that we like to play, it just wasn't quite enough."
Though they also failed to produce a goal, the Tigers' offensive effort was no less impressive. As Noblesville tried settling in through the early stages of the first half, the hosts took advantage, maintaining possession and generating a few quality chances early on. When their opponent finally found its footing, the Tigers began generating opportunities on the counterattack.
"We play different styles and in the end, I thought we created enough chances, we just couldn't get one to go in the net," coach Phil Schmidt said.
"We would like to create a little bit more and keep the ball a little bit more," he later added. "But overall, you have to shut them down and create chances no matter how you can make it happen."
Defense and goalkeeping
Fishers (4-0-1) and Noblesville (6-0-1) have each allowed just one goal on the season.
The paltry goals against statistics are a testament to the teams' respective defenses and goalkeepers, and both components shined at various moments.
For the Millers, their defense was suffocating through most of the night, smothering chances and denying the Tigers any opportunity to set up shop in the attacking end. Their success, Dollaske said, starts with center backs Drew Cochran and Brady Horn — "Any ball in the air, we're sending it right back the other way," he added — and flows through the outside with wing backs Andy Stansfield and Cole Bramblett.
Anchoring the entire backline is goalkeeper Gabe Ingle, who can be heard throughout the game directing traffic and ensuring his teammates know their assignments.
"We've been able to watch his evolution since his freshman year to now," Dollaske said of Ingle. "He's really been able to take this team and make it his own in his junior and senior years. He provides a calming influence back there."
Fishers defense was solid overall, but it was a standout performance by goalkeeper Tyler March that shined brightest. The senior keeper was tested frequently throughout the match, but proved up to the task, delivering save after save to secure the team's fourth consecutive shutout.
There were some nerves early on, March said, but once he got those first few saves out of the way, he quickly settled in. "It just went my way from there," he added.
"Our defense really stepped up in key moments, and I think we have one of, if not the, best goalies in the state and he stepped up in big moments," Schmidt said.
What's ahead
Noblesville: Thursday vs. Guerin Catholic
This is the start of a daunting stretch for the Millers, who play Class 2A No. 1 Guerin Catholic on Thursday, Westfield next Tuesday, then nationally-ranked St. Ignatius (Ohio) on Sept. 11.
"It was good to get some of those early games out of the way, to understand who our role players are and where we can slot in guys off the bench," Dollaske said. "It's good that we're getting these games in the middle. Hopefully we're able to stay healthy through it."
Fishers: Saturday at Franklin Central
After rescheduling a couple games earlier this season, the Tigers will play four games over a week-long stretch beginning Saturday at Franklin Central. The run is highlighted by a trip to No. 4 Hamilton Southeastern next Tuesday.
"I like playing a lot of games at one time. It keeps me busy," March said with a grin. "Of course, it's a lot easier for me because I'm just back there trying to save the ball from going in the net. The other guys are busting their butts for 80 minutes going back-and-forth, back-and-forth."
Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.
