Defiance College Wins First Game of Classic

DEFIANCE, OHIO- The Defiance College men's soccer team earned a big win in game one of the Purple and Gold Classic against The College of Wooster with a score of 2-1 at Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field.

The Yellow Jacket (1-1) offense and defense both fought hard all night long against the Fighting Scots (0-1-1) to end up on top, resulting in their first win of the season.

At the 11:52 mark, freshman Henok Jones (Georgetown, Ind./Floyd Central) set up a header by fellow freshman Josiah Nichols (Weston) to give Defiance the first goal of the night and take a 1-0 lead. Wooster answered by scoring a goal at the 24:20 mark and even the contest at 1-1. Late in the period, sophomore Nick Kleptz (Troy) put DC back on top with a goal on a penalty kick during the 35th minute to make the score 2-1. The Yellow Jackets defense continued to work hard and not allow the Scots to score again. The conclusion of the first half resulted in a score of 2-1 in favor of DC.

The second half ended up being held scoreless on both ends, but Defiance continued to play hard and take quality shots when the opportunity arose. Junior Trevor Hester (Liberty Center), Jones and freshman Adam Ordel (Lima/Elida) all had quality scoring chances in the final period, but all three shots fell just shy of taking advantage of the visiting defense.  The lone goal difference between the two squads proved to all that was necessary as the Yellow Jackets hung on for the 2-1 victory.

This game was also won with the help of junior goalkeeper Damian Koester (Englewood/Brookville). Koester earned his first win on the season. Throughout the night, he battled in the net making six saves and allowed only one goal.

Up next for the Defiance men's soccer team will be a matchup against Saint (Pa.) Vincent College on Sunday, Sept. 6, to conclude the Purple and Gold Classic.  The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Winsper-Knobel Field.