MARIETTA, Ohio – Playing in a steady rain the entire match, the Marietta College men's soccer team scored a first half goal and then held on for a 1-0 win over visiting Otterbein University. The Pioneers improve to 2-10-2 overall and 1-3-2 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Otterbein falls to 3-9-2 and 1-5-0 OAC. [Box Score]

Originally scheduled as a 4 p.m. start on Marietta Field, the match was moved under the lights at Don Drumm Stadium due to poor field conditions caused by the day-long rain.

Marietta went on the attack early in the match applying pressure to the Cardinal defense.  Several good runs by the Pioneers failed to result in a goal until the 26th minute of play.

Sophomore defender #Ryan Stephens (Enon/South Point)# sent a cross from near midfield into the 6-yard box. Junior defender #Ben Federici (Findlay/Findlay)# one-timed the pass into the lower left corner for the game-winner. The goal was Federici's second of the season.

After allowing Marietta to dictate play in the first half, Otterbein controlled the ball most of the second period. The Cardinals nearly tied the match in the 58th minute when Kurt Gallant fired a shot that rocked the left post.

For the match, Marietta took 18 shots, six on goal, and had six corner kicks. Otterbein tallied 14 shots, with three on goal and took three corners.

Sophomore #Bobby Thaxton (Milford/Milford)# had a solid night in goal for Marietta recording three saves. Kyle Ripma had five saves for the Cardinals.

Marietta is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Tiffin for a 4 p.m. match at Heidelberg University.