Men’s Soccer celebrates Parent’s Day with 4-3 win over Capital

By Wes Mayberry

ADA — The Ohio Northern men's soccer team celebrated Parent's Day with a special halftime ceremony and a 4-3 win over Capital on Saturday afternoon at Kerscher Stadium.

The Polar Bears improve to 7-2-3 overall and 2-0-1 in the OAC while dropping the Comets to 1-7-2, 0-2-1.

After taking a 1-0 lead on a Capital own goal early in the second half, Northern found the back of the net three times courtesy of senior Aaron Shelton (Ortonville, Mich./Brandon), junior Cade Winchester (Knoxville, Tenn./Alcoa) and sophomore Ryan Parker (Lexington).

Jack Kossoudji recorded a hat trick, scoring all three of the Comets' goals in the game.

Capital's Jarrett Puckett was responsible for the own goal that gave ONU the lead just 19 seconds into the second half.

Kossoudji made it 1-all in the 51st minute with his first goal of the game, which was assisted by Jacob Deever.

The Polar Bears proceeded to score three unanswered goals to take a commanding 4-1 edge.

Shelton scored in the 65th minute on assists from Winchester and fifth-year senior Levi King (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central).

Winchester then scored a goal of his own, which came in the 66th minute on assists from sophomore Tanner Locke (Canton, Mich./Salem) and freshman Gage Foster (Mason).

Parker extended the lead in the 80th minute, scoring what would prove to be the game-winner on assists from sophomore William Shaffer (Galena/St. Francis DeSales) and fifth-year senior Bryan Kern (Rocky River).

Shelton, Winchester and Parker now have three goals on the season, tying them with Kern for the team lead.

Trailing by three in the latter stages of the game, the Comets drew closer on Kossoudji's penalty kick goal in the 83rd minute.

Kossoudji completed his hat trick with just over five minutes remaining to cut Capital's deficit to one, but the Polar Bears were able to secure the victory.

Making his second start for the Polar Bears, sophomore goalkeeper Lucas Hickey (Conroe, Texas/Oak Ridge) recorded four saves.

Kellen Sargent posted seven saves in goal for Capital.

Northern finished with a 17-11 advantage in shots and a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.

Riding a nine-game unbeaten streak, the Polar Bears return to action on Wednesday hosting Heidelberg at 7 p.m.