MEDFORD, Mass. - In a rematch of last year's NCAA Elite Eight, the Connecticut College men's soccer team and Tufts played to a scoreless draw to kickoff NESCAC competition.

The two teams are familiar foes, with this game being the sixth contest between the Camels and Jumbos over the last three seasons. Over the course of that span, Tufts hold the slight advantage with a 3-2-1 record.

After being knocked out of the 2019 NCAA Elite Eight, Conn returned the favor last year, ending the Jumbos' season in the National Quarterfinals on their home turf in a thrilling 5-4 decision. 

Saturday's contest between nationally ranked contenders was a far different outcome than the offensive showcase put on by both teams last season. The game proved to be a war of attrition with the evenly matched squads jockeying for field position. In total, there were only four shots on goal throughout the duration of the game between the Camels and Jumbos. 

The first real opportunity for Conn came in the 29^th minute. Junior Alessandro Horvath Diano (New Haven, Conn.) took a pass from Steve Yeonas (McLean, Va.) up the left sideline. Horvath Diano crossed it beautifully into the box right onto the left foot of Jack Marvel (Marion, Mass.). Although he was in the perfect position, Marvel was a touch off balance which resulted in a soft shot that was easily saved by the Tufts keeper, Erik Lauta.

In the 43^rd minute, the Camels had their best chance of the game. Following a free kick, junior Jake Creus (Rye, N.Y.) fired a shot from 25 yards out that clanged off the crossbar and over the net. 

The defensive battle continued into the second half as both squads did not allow a clear advantage. 

But with less than two minutes to go, the Camels had a pair of scoring chances. After an outstanding touch pass from Yeonas to teammate Gaven Vanden Berg (Lake Forest Park, Wash.), the first year forward gave it back to Yeonas inside the box directly in front of the keeper. As the senior took a shot, a Tufts defender barely snuck his foot in front of the ball, blocking the attempt.

Less than one minute later, another Conn chance was denied after Oury Diane (West Haven, Conn.) had an open look, but his shot sailed high.

Despite the hectic conclusion to the contest, the result was a scoreless draw between two of the top teams in the nation. 

No. 1 Connecticut College (1-0-1, 0-0-0 NESCAC) will next play on Tuesday, September 13 in a non-conference matchup against Rhode Island College.