MEADVILLE, Pa.— The Allegheny College men's soccer team was unable to overcome an early Ohio Wesleyan University goal as they fell 3-0 in North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) play Friday (Oct. 5).
The Gators were forced to play man-down for 70 minutes after a red card in the first half.
"It is never easy to play man down, especially for 70 minutes," said Head Coach
Angelo Panzetta. "We fought and battled and had great effort from everyone that played. It was a hard lesson to learn tonight."
In the opening minute,
Jorge Olan had a scoring chance off a
Jon Sion cross, but the ball went just outside the post. Shortly after, the Battling Bishops got on the board. Isaiah Harris found Drew Wivell ten-yards out from the net, who put it in the back of the goal for the first score of the game.
The Battling Bishops added to their lead in the 25
th minute when Joe Brush converted a penalty shot.
Liam McKersie had a scoring opportunity on a header in 28th minute off a
Matt Massucci corner, but the shot was turned away.
Wiard tallied a pair of saves late in half to keep deficit at two.
The Battling Bishops continued to pressure into the second half, but the Gator defense and WIard held firm.
Ryan Hilty put a long shot on goal in the 64
th minute but the Ohio Wesleyan goalie was able to step in front of it.
Owen Harkins nearly missed a shot in the 82
nd minute on a direct kick from just outside the box as the shot just missed the far post wide. Minutes later,
Nick Taliani had a scoring opportunity but the Battling Bishop goalie came off the line to smother the shot.
In the 85
th minute, the Battling Bishops tallied a goal on a Will Sharer penalty kick to secure the conference victory.
Wiard ended the game with seven saves.
The Gators return to action Tuesday (Oct. 9) as they make the trip into Ohio to face NCAC foe Hiram College.
