Men’s Soccer Falls Just Short Against Ohio Northern

DEFIANCE, Ohio – A late second-half rally was not enough to give the Jackets a win on Wednesday, as they fell 3-2 to Ohio Northern University. The two points surrendered by the Polar Bears' defense was the most they have allowed in ten games, since surrendering three points to Denison on September 5.  

Ohio Northern was awarded a penalty kick in the seventh minute of the opening period, and Abrim Mueller capitalized on the opportunity to give ONU an early 1-0 lead. Christian Huelsman recorded his eighth goal of the season at the 35-minute mark, and Mark Mazzone found the net with three minutes left in the period to give ONU a 3-0 advantage at halftime.

The Yellow Jackets responded in the second half, posting nine shots in the period after attempting only five in the first half. Jaiden Henderson was the first to score for Defiance, when he ran down a feed from Bryce Baker and sent it past the ONU goalkeeper to cut the deficit to 3-1. Kyle Johnson scored his first goal of the season less than two minutes later, as Defiance suddenly seized the momentum with 10 minutes left to play and a one-goal deficit.

It was too little, too late, however, as the Polar Bears surrendered only one shot for the remainder of the game and escaped with their ninth win in ten games.

The Yellow Jackets will play in their second conference match of the season on Saturday, October 2, when they head to Hanover College (2-6, 0-1 HCAC) for a 2:00 p.m. bout with the Panthers.