Yellow Jackets Lose to Panthers

DEFIANCE, OHIO- The Defiance College men's soccer team fell on the losing end of a 5-1 decision against Hanover (Ind.) College in a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference game at Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field on senior day. 

Hanover (13-3, 6-1 HCAC) took the lead 13 minutes into the first half to grab the early 1-0 advantage. The lead didn't last long as less than a minute later, sophomore Nick Kletpz (Troy) answered with a goal for Defiance (5-8-3, 2-3-2 HCAC) to tie the game at, 1-1. Kleptz scored off an assist from freshman Jacob Diffenderfer-Gabbard (Troy).

The Panthers quickly regained the advantage when they netted the goal-ahead goal 50 seconds following the Kleptz goal, putting Hanover back out in front, 2-1. 

The final goal of the period came at the 20:42 mark when Hanover found the back of the net to extend the margin to 3-1 heading into the break.  

The second half began with a shot attempt by senior Trevor Hester (Liberty Center/Monclova Christian Academy), but his shot was blocked by the Panther defense. The shot by Hester ended up being the only attempt for the Yellow Jackets in the final 45 minutes. 

Hanover outshot Defiance, 16-1, in the period, including seven shots on goal that led to additional scores at the 67:42 and 74:10 marks to round out the scoring en route to the 5-1 final.

Sophomore Clay Musgrave (Upper Sandusky) played all 90 minutes in net for the Jackets. He allowed five goals against and recorded five saves.

The Jackets will return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 26 when they travel to Anderson, Ind. to take on Anderson (Ind.) University in a HCAC contest. Game time will begin at 3:30 p.m.