John Lombardo claims first career OAC weekly honor

By Blake Moore

ADA - Freshman goalkeeper John Lombardo (Solon) has received the Ohio Athletic Conference's Defensive Player of the Week award for the period of September 24-30, 2018, the league office announced Monday afternoon.

The freshman netminder recorded his fifth and sixth consecutive victories with a pair of shutouts against Adrian (Mich.) and Marietta, respectively, last week. He would register six total saves, including a pivotal penalty kick save in the 84th minute against Marietta. Due to the save, the Polar Bears upended the Pioneers 1-0 after converting on a penalty kick of their own in the 87th minute of the match.

Lombardo now ranks second in goals against average (0.70), tied for second in total goals against (4), and fifth in save percentage (77.8%) among all OAC goalkeepers.

The honor marks the first time that Lombardo has received the award in his career at Ohio Northern. He is the third ONU men's soccer player to garner a Player of the Week accolade this season.

The Polar Bears will return to the pitch on Wednesday evening when they travel to Baldwin Wallace for a conference contest. Match time is set for 7 p.m. from George Finnie Stadium in Berea, Ohio.