Men's Soccer opens 2017 season with hard-fought 1-1 draw at Grove City (Pa.)

By Caleb Scott

GROVE CITY, Pa. — The Ohio Northern men's soccer team opened its 2017 campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Grove City (Pa.) on Friday evening at Grove City College Field.

The Polar Bears move to 0-0-1 overall, while the Wolverines also move to 0-0-1.

Freshman Beelal Hasan's (Westerville/Thomas) first career goal paced the Polar Bears in the contest.

After putting pressure on Grove City early, Northern was able to strike first in the 27th minute as freshman Mitchell Colvin (Tipp City/Tippecanoe) played a long cross ball from the deep right side and found Hassan to set up the goal.

Northern's nine shots in the first half would help build momentum heading into the break.

The Wolverines were able to score the equalizer early in the second half to knot the contest at 1-1 in the 47th minute.

After a defensive battle ensued, ONU nearly won the contest in the first overtime as junior Anthony DeNoi's (Powell/Olentangy Liberty) shot sailed wide right.

The Polar Bears would continue to pressure the Wolverines, outshooting them 5-2 in the overtime periods but could not find the back of the net to claim the victory.

Northern won the corner kick battle by a 16-5 margin and outshot Grove City 23-12.

Junior goalkeeper Kyle Dunnavant (Mount Vernon) led Northern defensively with three saves in the goal.

ONU returns to action Saturday evening as it completes its 2-day trip in Pennsylvania and takes on Geneva (Pa.) at Merriman and Reeves Field at 5 pm.