Men's Soccer Falls 2-0 In Season Opener

The Heidelberg College men’s soccer team dropped its 2007 season opener 2-0 to host Oberlin College. The Berg held the Yeoman scoreless through the first 52:45 of the contest before Oberlin’s Evan Atwell broke a scoreless tie and netted the eventual game-winning goal and handed Heidelberg a setback in day one action at the 2007 Oberlin Tournament. Oberlin added a second goal at the 29:52 mark to push the final score to 2-0.

Heidelberg started the game slowly against a committed and focused Oberlin team. Facing a stiff breeze in the first half Heidelberg gradually worked its way into the contest and went into the half tied at 0-0. Oberlin netted two goals in the second half to earn the win.

“This was a very disappointing start to the season,” stated 19th-year head coach Brian Haley. “ We failed to play our type of game and paid the price to a upbeat, focused Oberlin team.”

For the game, Heidelberg held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks, while Oberlin led the way with 12 shots compared to just eight from the Berg. Leading Heidelberg was newcomers Owen Botting (Billingsburst, England / The Weald School) and Gavin McCarthy (Hilliard, Ohio / Hillard Darby). Botting registered his first collegiate start and finished with three shots, while McCarthy came off the bench and tallied two shots.

Jared Kealy (Dublin, Ohio / Dublin Jerome) suffered the setback in the net, playing the entire contest and recorded four saves.

Heidelberg concludes action in the Oberlin Tournament on Sept. 2 when it faces the College of Wooster at 3:30 p.m.