Men's Soccer Begins HCAC Play with a Victory

DEFIANCE, Ohio. - The Defiance College men's soccer team began Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play in thrilling fashion on Saturday afternoon. The Yellow Jackets played host to Franklin College and earned a 2-1 victory.

The sides found themselves equally matched for much of the contest, heading into halftime tied 0-0. Offensively both teams recorded seven shots a piece in the first forty-five minutes.

In the 46th minute, the Yellow Jackets found themselves with a lead in their HCAC opener. Jarren Casto (Celina, Ohio / Celina) found the back of the net getting the ball past the outstretched Grizzlie keeper. Casto recorded three shots and an assist on the day while tallying his, career-high, fifth goal of the 2019 season.

Less than two minutes later, Casto connected with senior Adam Ordel (Lima, Ohio/ Elida) for another Yellow Jacket goal; giving Defiance the 2-0 lead early in the second half. Ordel recorded three shots on the day while picking up his fourth goal of the season.

Franklin tacked on a goal late in the second half, but Defiance was able to hang on to the 2-1 victory. On the day, the Purple and Gold outshot the Grizzlies 18-14 while finishing the game with nine corner kicks. Goalie, Harrison Hirth (Lapeer, Mich. / Lapeer ) completed another 90 minutes for the Yellow Jackets, facing five shots on goal and making four saves.

The victory brings the Yellow Jacket's record to 6-5-1 on the season and 1-0 in HCAC play. The side will return to action Wednesday, October 9th, as they travel to Bluffton for a 3:30 pm kickoff.