No. 16 Men's Soccer gets second-straight shutout with 2-0 win over Capital

By: Monique Bowman

ADA — Through a solid defensive effort, the No. 16 Polar Bear men's soccer team posted a 2-0 victory over OAC foe Capital, Saturday afternoon at the ONU Soccer Field.

The win was the second straight shutout for Ohio Northern (10-2-2, 2-0-1 OAC), as well as the seventh shutout of the season. Anchoring the defense was junior goalkeeper Mac Church, who notched the win, the shutout and four saves.

The Crusaders fall to 5-6-1 overall and 0-1-1 in league action.

"Today showcased our excellent team defense and that definitely got us through this game," head coach Brent Ridenour said. "Our defense has posted two impressive shutouts this week, especially today's against a very strong OAC opponent."

After a scoreless first half, a Crusader foul in the 50th minute set up an Ohio Northern penalty kick, which was successfully completed by junior Nate Bascom. It was his sixth score of the season.

ONU increased its lead in the 54th minute when junior Chris Matejka found a streaking Cameron Johnson, who then broke through Capital's defense and put the ball in for his eighth goal of the year.

Capital took aim at the goal 12 times, taking its best chance midway through the second half. R.G. Florey blasted a free kick, prompting a diving stop by Church.

Northern also had a few solid scoring opportunities in its 24 shot attempts to increase its lead, including an unconnected cross fromBascom to Robert Sellers, and back-to-back shots by Christian Huelsman and Sellers in the 83rd minute.

The Polar Bears return to action Tuesday when they travel to Westerville for a conference contest at Otterbein; game time is set for 4p.m.