DC takes over fifth in the HCAC

DEFIANCE, Ohio - DC took a huge step in achieving their postseason play goal today with a win over Franklin College.  With the win, the Yellow Jackets move to 8-7 on the year, but more importantly 3-2 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play.  Both teams entered today's game tied in the HCAC for fifth at 2-2.

The game featured cold weather, sun, rain, and sleet before the 90 minutes was up.

Within the first ten minutes, DC took a commanding 2-0 lead which they coasted with until the end.

In just the second minute of play, Drew Metz (Northwood, Ohio / Lake) found an open Ian Fasnacht (Strongsville, Ohio / Padua Franciscan) inside the 6 yard line and Fasnacht easily put the ball in to make it 1-0.

Eight minutes later, Metz again helped out the team with his passing. This time he put a ball nicely behind the defense to a running Kevin Arriola (New Lebanon, Ohio / Dixie), who chipped the ball over the goalie for his team-leading ninth goal of the season.

Early in the second half, the Grizzlies cut the deficit in half with a goal in the 55th minute to make the score 2-1.

As the rain and wind picked up, goal play from Sean Roberts (Canal Winchester, Ohio / Canal Winchester) and the Franklin opposition excelled as both goalies turned away multiple crosses and shots.  Roberts turned away six shots on the day.

Freshman Victor Trifiro (Akron, Ohio / Walsh Jesuit) put the game out of reach for the Yellow Jackets in the 87th minute as Franklin was in desperation mode.  Trifiro made a few nice moves inside the box, including one that took the goalkeeper off his feet. Trifiro dribbled the ball into the ngoal and helped Defiance take sole possession of fifth place in the conference.

DC was outshot by the Grizzlies 17-11, though Defiance had more shots on goal at 9-7.

"This was a big win for us being tied with Franklin," Head Coach Alex Van der Sluijs said after the match.  "I couldn't be more proud of our effort today.  It will be great to enjoy this win, but we have to look forward to Anderson on Wednesday." 

The game kicks off at Anderson with a start time of 4 pm.