Home Victory Continues Winning Ways for Men's Soccer

DEFIANCE, OHIO - The Defiance College men's soccer team played host to rival Bluffton University on Wednesday afternoon. The Yellow Jackets earned a hard fought 1-0 victory in the contest. 

Defiance did not waste any time creating chances in front of the home crowd. In the second minute a header from senior Adam Ordel (Lima / Elida) was saved by the Beaver goalkeeper before Christian Meister (Ontario / Ontario) blasted a shot just wide of the goal. The chance sparked energy within the Yellow Jacket offense, who turned in an array of chances in the next few minutes. 

In the 25th minute Clay Musgrave (Upper Sandusky / Upper Sandusky) collected a ball and looked to quickly send the Yellow Jackets in transition. A booming kick traveled the length of the field before bouncing just outside the Bluffton 18-yard box. A run from Luca DeMartino (Mequon, Wisc. / Homestead) put him perfectly in the path of the ball after it bounced over the Beaver defender. The freshman didn't hesitate in tallying his third goal of the season as he flicked it past the on-rushing goalkeeper. 

Defiance continued the offensive pressure for much of the match, forcing the Bluffton goalkeeper into five saves from 16 shots on the day. Defensively, Musgrave earned his second shutout of the season. Supporting the senior's goal stopping efforts were Bennett Pack (Glasgow, Ky. / Glasgow), Carson Macklin (Shelbyville, Ind. / Shelbyville), Chase Stiner (St. Joseph, Ill. / St. Joseph Ogden), and Sean Vandewiele (Fishers, Ind. / Fishers), all of which played the full 90 minutes in the back line to help preserve the Purple and Gold's second clean sheet of the year. 

The win brings Defiance's record to 5-6 on the year. The 2-0 HCAC start is the second in as many seasons for Head Coach Jordan Valentine's Yellow Jackets. 

Defiance will next be in action on Saturday, Oct. 6 as they play host to Rose-Hulman at 3:30 pm. The game serves as part of the 2018 Homecoming weekend for Defiance.