Marietta men's soccer advances to OAC Semifinal with 4-1 win over Heidelberg
Strong start helps Pioneers advance to play at top-seeded Capital Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Nov. 3, 2008
MARIETTA, Ohio — A strong start and solid play for 90 minutes propelled the Marietta College men's soccer team to a 4-1 victory over visiting rival Heidelberg College in Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament Quarterfinal action Monday (Nov. 3 afternoon at Marietta Field.

With the victory, the fourth-seeded Pioneers improve to 10-6-3 and advance to the OAC Semifinals where they will take on top-seeded Capital University Wednesday (Nov. 5) at 2 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio. The fifth-seeded Student Princes end the year 7-11-2.

Marietta, led by 11th-year Head Coach Patrick Holguin, is making its third OAC Tournament appearance in school history, having qualified in 1997 and 2007. The Pioneers, who had never previously hosted a Conference playoff game, improved to 1-2 all-time in the OAC Tournament.

The Pioneers struck early to set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Senior midfielder Jack Dunn (Aurora/University) hit a shot wide of the keeper but not on goal in the third minute. Senior forward Seita Kawamoto (Ebina, Kanagaua, Japan) tracked down the loose ball and passed it back to junior forward Kyle Muth (Twinsburg), who put it away for his 10th goal of the season.

Dunn did not miss on his next attempt in the 10th minute. Marietta took advantage in transition with a three-on-one against the Heidelberg keeper. With Kawamoto applying pressure in the middle, Muth crossed a ball through the box to Dunn, who finished the play with a goal, his fourth of the year.

Heidelberg battled back to within a goal, 2-1, in the 27th minute. Gavin McCarthy bent a ball past the Pioneer keeper from 35-yards out for the score, which was assisted by Brian Juart.

Marietta, however, answered before halftime with its third goal of the game in the 35th minute. Kawamoto found the foot of Dunn on a throw in and Dunn sent a low shot past a diving keeper from 35-yards away and into the back of the net. It was his second goal of the game and fifth of the year.

The Pioneers added an insurance goal in the 70th minute. Senior tri-captain Kyle Blankenship (Galloway/Hilliard Darby) set up the score with a thru ball to Muth. Muth juked the keeper, who came out to defend the play, and slipped the ball inside the near post from 10-yards out for the goal, his team-leading 11th of the season.

Marietta out-shot Heidelberg 21-18, including 13-11 in shots on goal, in the victory. The Pioneers also held a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.

Senior keeper Steve Hagenau (Clearwater, Fla./Central Catholic) made eight saves and allowed one goal in the first 77:42 before giving way to classmate Tad Cochran (Westerville/Worthington Christian), who made two saves, for the final 12:18. Brian Benson had eight saves in the loss for Heidelberg.

Wednesday's action against Capital begins at 2 p.m. in Columbus. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $2 for non-OAC students. OAC students will be admitted free with a valid identification. OAC Lifetime Passes will also be honored. Live statistics will be available at http://capital2.capital.edu/admin-staff/ncarver/athletics/MSOC/xlive.htm.