Men’s Soccer falls 2-1 to Marietta

Men’s Soccer falls 2-1 to Marietta
October 2, 2021

By Wes Mayberry

ADA — A ricochet goal early in the second half proved to be the deciding factor as Marietta edged Ohio Northern in Ohio Athletic Conference men's soccer action in Saturday night's Homecoming game at Kerscher Stadium.

Saturday's game was the conference opener for both teams. The loss dropped the Polar Bears to 5-4-2 overall and 0-1-0 in the OAC while improving the Pioneers to 4-4-1 overall and 1-0-0 in conference play.

Ohio Northern's goal came courtesy of senior Levi King (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central), giving him three on the season.

Senior Cameron Picard (Dayton/Wayne) picked up his first assist of the season on the score.

Senior Bryan Kern (Rocky River) and freshman Trevor Tabb (Toledo/Springfield) tallied a game-high four shots each for ONU, and senior goalkeeper John Lombardo (Solon) made one save in the loss.

The Polar Bears took an early lead in the game, as King found the back of the net just 5:55 into the contest.

But the Pioneers had the equalizer, as sophomore Reggie Grayek netted his team-leading fifth goal of the season with a little over three minutes to go until halftime.

Marietta junior Dave Beattie broke the 1-all tie just 5:05 into the second half when a ball he kicked ricocheted off an ONU player and found its way past Lombardo and into the back of the net for what proved to be the game-winning score.

ONU out-shot Marietta by a 14-9 margin, including a 4-3 edge in shots on goal, while the Pioneers finished with a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.

The Polar Bears return to the field on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for a game at OAC foe Baldwin Wallace.