DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University men's soccer team (3-4-4, 2-0-0 NCAC) remained undefeated in conference play following a 1-0 victory over Wooster (6-5-1, 0-2-1 NCAC) on Saturday evening.
The Battling Bishops nearly pulled ahead in the ninth minute with a shot by
Paddy O'Reilly that got past the keeper but was cleared away on the goalline by a Fighting Scot defender.
O'Reilly would go on to play hero for the Red and Black shortly thereafter, scoring what ended up being the game-winning goal in the 13th minute on the counter. O'Reilly teamed up with
Maddox Andrea on the break, playing the ball ahead to Andrea who took the first strike. After Andrea's attempt was knocked away by the Wooster keeper, O'Reilly was right there to pick up the rebound, slotting it away nearly uncontested with his left to give OWU a 1-0 advantage.
The Ohio Wesleyan defense then took center stage, stopping attack after attack from the Scots, especially in the second half. Senior keeper
Andrew Davison was undeterred on the goalline with three stops in the first half and five in the second half.
The Bishops sealed the deal in the final minute as freshman
Nick Gallo beat the pressing Wooster keeper out to a ball around midfield. Looking to put the game away, Gallo took possession down the sideline to the left corner of the box before sending a shot towards a heavily unprotected net. Unfortunately for Gallo, a Scot defender made a well-timed run to head it away and keep the game at 1-0. However, the play did well to drain the clock of the remaining 30 seconds or so, effectively ending the game all the same.
THE NUMBERS
Wooster held a 16-11 advantage in shots and an 8-6 edge in shots on goal. The Scots were awarded seven corners compared to five for the Bishops. OWU made a season-high eight saves and forced Wooster into five. It was quite a physical game through and through with 39 total fouls called along with 10 cards assessed.
Paddy O'Reilly scored his first career goal in his third season for the Red and Black.
Maddox Andrea recorded his first career assist. He now has three points on the season.
Andrew Davison (3-1-1) made a season-high eight saves and recorded his second shutout.
UP NEXT
The Red and Black head out on the road on Wednesday, playing at Oberlin at 7 p.m.
