OBERLIN-Heidelberg University freshman Christopher Koczak (Springboro) and junior Erik Furst (Columbus/Upper Arlington) scored their first collegiate in a 4-2 loss to Oberlin College on a muggy Sunday night.
The goals came in the second half, with Heidelberg trailing 2-0. In the 51st minute, Koczak raced down the right side of the field, cut back into the penalty area and tucked a shot inside the far post. The goal was the first for the team on the season.
In the 76th minute, an Oberlin foul in the right corner gave Heidelberg a set play opportunity. Freshman Miguelangel Grande (Germantown, MD/Northwest) sent the ball into the six-yard box and Furst, the left fullback, volleyed it into the net. The assist from Grande was his first.
After Furst’s equalizer, Oberlin added a pair of late goals off a corner kick and a free kick.
But, the effort of the young team was not lost on head coach Dr. Brian Haley.
“This could’ve gotten ugly,” said Haley. “After we got down two early on, I was anxious to see how we would react. At halftime, we made a few tactical adjustments and they paid off.”
“We’ll work on defending set pieces,” said Haley. “I was disappointed in our efforts there, but pleased overall.”
Heidelberg (0-2) will prepare for their home opener, Thursday at 4 p.m. against Kenyon. The game will be played at Hidden Valley Soccer Complex.