Men's Soccer edges Muskingum 2-0 behind Studenic, Hasan goals

By Blake Moore

NEW CONCORD - The Ohio Northern men's soccer team wrapped up a two-match road stretch Saturday evening as the Polar Bears slipped past Ohio Athletic Conference foe Muskingum 2-0 at the North Athletic Turf Field in New Concord, Ohio.

With the victory, ONU improves to 9-3-1 overall and to 2-1-0 in league play on the season. The Muskies dropped to 5-7-0 overall and 0-3-0 in OAC action, falling in their third straight contest.

Freshman midfielder Matt Studenic (Wadsworth) opened the Polar Bear scoring in the 22nd minute, netting the first brace and game-winner of his career to provide Ohio Northern with a 1-0 advantage. Senior midfielder Joseph Schulte (Copley) found the first-year athlete, tallying his second assist of the 2018 campaign and fourth of his career.

Following the initial score, Muskingum would quiet the Northern offense until late in the second half. Sophomore defender Beelal Hasan (Westerville/Thomas) would finally break through for the Polar Bears on a Levi King (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central) assist in the 85th minute to double the lead and seal the victory.

Hasan's strike increases his team-best scoring total to 10, which also makes him the first Polar Bear to reach double-digit goals this season. In addition, King recorded his team-high seventh assist on the play.

In net, goalkeeper William Velotta (Gates Mills/Gilmour Academy) recorded the victory, his third of the season. He would make his first start since September 12 when he registered his last victory in a 3-0 triumph over then-ranked #19 Ohio Wesleyan. 

As a team, Ohio Northern would outshoot their weekend hosts 19-3, which included a 7-0 shots on goal advantage. Meanwhile, ONU would earn 12 corner kick opportunities in the match while the Muskies received just two.

The Polar Bears are slated to return to action next Wednesday, September 10 when they host the Wilmington Quakers at Kerscher Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.