Student Princes' Season Ends in Dramatic Game

The hopes for a playoff run ended as the Heidelberg College men’s soccer team, coached by Brian Haley, dropped a heartbreaking loss to John Carroll University in the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals 2-1 in overtime.

The Berg came out strong in the first half and dominated the Blue Streaks by out shooting them 11-3, but failed to make any connection with the back of the net before the half. John Carroll jumped at a chance to take the advantage in the game, and scored the first goal 20 minutes into the second half. Joe Ciacchi headed the ball high into the right-hand corner of the net off a corner kick by Louis Kastelic.

Heidelberg refused to just lie down, however, and answered with its own goal in the 73rd minute of play. Brian Juart (Hilliard, Ohio / Darby) headed the ball in for the Student Princes off a free kick by Owen Botting (Billingshurst, England / The Weald School). This left the score at 1-1 and neither team was able to record another goal before the end of regulation play, sending the game into overtime.

The ball moved up and down the field and each team became more aggressive on the field. However, it would be John Carroll who would score first and end the game. Kyle Buxman managed to slip a shot passed Heidelberg’s goalkeeper, Jared Kealy (Dublin, Ohio / Dublin Jerome), and into the lower center portion of the net after receiving a cross from Ciacchi.

Heidelberg finishes the year with a 10-9 record, the 12th winning season for the Berg in the last 14 years.