DC Men's Soccer Wins Nail-Biter

DEFIANCE, OHIO- The Defiance men's soccer team took on Saint (Pa.) Vincent College in the final game of the Purple and Gold Classic at Winsper-Knobel Memorial Field. Defiance took a strong come-from-behind victory against St. Vincent with a score of 2-1.

In the first half, the Yellow Jackets (2-1) fought hard on the defensive end, allowing only one goal. The offense took advantage of open shots when offered, but were unable to get anything to fall into the net. Several players had good scoring chances throughout the first 45 minutes, but they were unable to produce any goals as the Yellow Jackets trailed, 1-0, at the intermission.

Coming out of the break, the DC offense continued to put shots on the Bearcat netminder with multiple hard shots throughout the half. Sophomore Nick Kleptz (Troy) put Defiance on the board with his first goal of the day that tied the game at 1-1 at the 52:59 minute mark. Freshman Josiah Nichols (Weston/Bowling Green) was credited with the assist on Kleptz's marker.  Just under four-and-a-half minutes later, Kleptz found the back of the net again to give DC the lead, 2-1.  Kleptz's final goal turned out to be the game-winner as strong defensive play kept Saint Vincent scoreless the rest of the way, resulting in a 2-1 win for the Jackets.

Junior Damian Koester (Englewood/Brookville) played the entire game in net.  For the game, he earned himself five saves and only allowed one goal against.

Defiance will travel to Ada, Ohio to take part in the Ohio Northern University Classic on Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 12-13.  The Yellow Jackets will take on Thiel (Pa.) College in its first contest of the two-day event on Saturday with a start time of 5 p.m.