No. 22 Men's Soccer advances to Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament Final with 2-0 victory over Heidelberg
By Caleb Scott
ADA -- The No. 22-ranked Ohio Northern men's soccer team defeated Heidelberg 2-0 Thursday evening at Kerscher Stadium to advance to the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament Final at Kerscher Stadium Saturday.
The Polar Bears improve to 17-4-0 overall, while the Student Princes fall to 7-9-5.
With the victory, Northern advances to the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament Final for the seventh time in the past eight years.
The Polar Bear offense was led by junior Tommy Troy and junior Matt Kinkopf who both recorded a goal on the evening.
After a slow start for both teams, Ohio Northern would strike first in the 38th minute as Troy received a pass from junior Dustin Lorenzo and beat the HU keeper to give Northern the 1-0 lead.
After drawing a foul inside the 18 yard box, Northern was able to capitalize on the penalty kick in the 72nd minute as Kinkopf scored his OAC-leading 17th goal of the season to seal the 2-0 victory for the Polar Bears.
With his 17th goal on the season, Kinkopf tied former Polar Bear standout and current head coach Brent Ridenour for fifth all time for goals scored in a single season.
"I was really proud of our defense tonight," said head coach Brent Ridenour. "This was a very physical contest and our defense was up to the challenge. We are looking forward to playing a tough OAC opponent Saturday."
Sophomore Dean McNeil earned the victory in the goal for the Polar Bears, posting his 15th career shutout and improving his record to 16-4-0 on the season.
With the victory, Northern advances to the OAC Tournament Final where they will take on John Carroll at Kerscher Stadium.
