Bringard, Hasan lift Men's Soccer past Adrian (Mich.) 2-0 to close non-conference schedule

By Blake Moore

ADRIAN, Mich. - The Ohio Northern men's soccer program captured its sixth successive victory Wednesday evening, defeating Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association foe Adrian (Mich.) 2-0 at Docking Stadium in Adrian, Michigan as the Polar Bears concluded their 2018 non-conference slate.

With the victory, Northern improves to 7-2-1 on the season while the Bulldogs fall to 3-5-0 overall.

The Polar Bears received goals from senior back Michael Bringard (Hendersonville, Tenn./Pope John Paul II) and sophomore defender Beelal Hasan (Westerville/Thomas), providing the offense needed to fuel the victory.

Bringard would open the scoring in the 7th minute, netting his first strike of the season, which would also serve as the eventual game-winning goal. The senior would receive assists on the play from fellow classmate Anthony DeNoi (Powell/Olentangy Liberty) and freshman Jacob Westerkamp (Beavercreek).

Following the opening goal, both teams would have limited scoring opportunities during the remainder of the first half. The Polar Bears would register just three total shots in the opening frame while the Bulldogs managed just a single attempt at goal.

Late in the second half, ONU would break into the scoring column once again when Hasan netted his team-best ninth goal of the 2018 season in the 82nd minute. Hasan received a pass from junior John Sternasty (Akron/Revere), who recorded an assist on the brace, and booted a long-range shot past Adrian netminder Spencer Brown from the right side of the goal.

Hasan, who now owns a three-game scoring streak, would pace the Polar Bear offense with three shots Wednesday evening.

In net, freshman goalkeeper John Lombardo (Solon) recorded his second straight clean sheet and his fifth consecutive victory in the non-conference finale. He would be called upon just once during the match, making the save to preserve the team's fourth shutout overall this season.

In the match, ONU would hold a 9-7 total shots advantage, including a 3-1 shots on goal edge. Ohio Northern also managed a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks over their evening hosts.

The Polar Bears will now turn their attention to the 2018 Ohio Athletic Conference regular season schedule, which is slated to begin this weekend. Northern will open their pursuit of a conference title Saturday, September 29 when they welcome in conference foe Marietta for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Kerscher Stadium in Ada.