New York Shockers and New Haven United FC played out a goalless draw in NPSL action on Saturday, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in a fractious contest that produced seven yellow cards.
The first half offered little in the way of finishing but plenty of niggle. New Haven's D. Hage was the first player cautioned in the 24th minute, and the Shockers' M. Aldridge followed him into the referee's book before halftime with a yellow in the 40th minute.
The second half brought more of the same edge without any greater quality in the final third. D. Villavicencio picked up a booking in the 53rd minute, and P. Vasic joined him two minutes later as the Shockers racked up cautions at an alarming rate. B. Fogarty was also shown yellow in the 68th minute, giving the home side four bookings on the afternoon.
New Haven weren't far behind in terms of discipline. D. Pederson and R. Apolon were both cautioned in the 80th minute during what appeared to be a heated passage of play, and B. Biton collected a yellow deep into the 90th minute to round off a scrappy affair.
Despite the intensity, clear-cut chances were evidently at a premium. Neither goalkeeper was beaten, and the match ended as it started — level and without a goal to show for 90 minutes of effort.
The point keeps both sides ticking over in the NPSL standings, though neither will look back on this one as an opportunity seized.