Box Score LA MIRADA, Calif. --- It was zeroes all around on Saturday night at Al Barbour Field as two strong defensive sides went head-to-head for 110 minutes without a goal scored.
 
The 0-0 draw with Vanguard was a huge step forward for Biola's defensive line and goalkeeper, JT Addington. It was just the third time this season Biola has managed a clean sheet and the first time since Golden State Athletic Conference play began.
 
"We were able to keep a clean sheet. I thought that was growth for us, because we have had some frustrated home misses," said Head Coach Todd Elkins. "We created enough to win tonight's game, but we couldn't find the back of the net. It did not result in a frustrating loss because we worked hard and had good team defense."
 
Addington ended the night with three saves as the Eagles' defense held the Lions to just nine total shots in a match full of offensive chances for Biola.
 
"JT had to deal with some tough balls tonight. I thought he got better as the game went on," said Elkins. "He had to adjust as her learned their attack. They had talent to beat you 1v1 or by going big off a ball from the keeper or a long throw-in. He turned away a lot of balls in the box."
 
Biola put up 19 shots against a Lions defense that was scrambling all night long. Vanguard had a huge performance by its goalkeeper, Brandon Gomez. Gomez posted 11 saves to hold the Eagles' offense at bay throughout.
 
The one time that Gomez was unable to get in front of Biola's attack attempts his trusty post got in the way of a Joey O'Keefe shot during the 20^th minute. That was the closest any Biola opportunity got all night long during the back-and-forth struggle.
 
"We want to create more chances than the other team, we want to be dangerous and we want to score, but if that does not happen then we need to think defense first," said Elkins. "That defense came out tonight."
 
The best opportunity for Vanguard came late in the second 10-minute overtime period. The Lions earned a corner kick and had an opportunity on goal fom just outside the box on the near post. Addington got in front of a pass and cutoff the Lions attack with a dive that trapped the ball to the turf and safety.
 
Michael Kute was every bit the senior captain he needed to be tonight, finding himself in all the right spots defensively to put a stop to building Vanguard attacks. Many times, especially in the second half, the Lions had numbers on Biola going into their offensive third and Kute was able to intercept a pass or force a shot wide at the exact right moment.
 
It was easily the most intense atmosphere of the season at Al Barbour Field. A large crowd for both sides had numerous opportunities to erupt with elation following a big save or defensive stop, making for an electric environment.
 
Both teams battled to the final second, with two of the game's 43 fouls coming in the final minute of play. In the end, the Eagles finish with their third draw of the season and second straight in conference play.
 
Biola drops to 5-5-3 (2-3-2 GSAC) while Vanguard moves to 7-6-1 (3-3-1 GSAC). The Eagles end their regular season home schedule on Tuesday with the nightcap of a doubleheader against San Diego Christian College. This will be Biola's senior night.