UNIVERSITY HTS., Ohio – The Marietta College men's soccer team fell 1-0 in the Championship of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) tournament at John Carroll University Sunday (April 18) afternoon.  

"I am gutted for the boys tonight.  Not because we didn't win, but with all we have been through in the last two weeks I really wanted it for them," said Head Coach Joe Bergin.  "John Carroll was the better side today, but if I'm being honest the delta between the sides is shrinking, and we will keep working to eliminate that delta. You have to give it to their coaching staff for the program they have built."

The Pioneers had three members named to the OAC All-Tournament team in freshman goalie Ryan Riccillo (Canton, Ohio/GlenOak), sophomore midfielder Caden Ferguson (Mars, PA./Mars Area), and sophomore defender Dave Beattie (Russell, Ohio/West Geauga).  

Coach Bergin added, "I am proud of the season, broke a record made it to the tournament finals for the second time in program history, but I have to be honest, we want more."

The first half of the match was a hard-fought scoreless battle, as the game remained deadlocked at 0-0 at the intermission.  The back line of Colston Roades (Mount Orab, Ohio/Western Brown), Thadd Graham (Sunbury, Ohio/Olentangy), Beattie, and Blake Holtman (Milford, Ohio/Milford), helped Riccillo keep the game level.  The shots were even at three apiece, and the Pioneers had the lone shot on goal in the half, off the foot of Roades.  

John Carroll wasted little time getting on the board in the second half, as they scored the lone goal of the match in the 49th minute, when Hayden Haffner scored off an assist from William Turrittin.  Turrittin, Stephen Schutt, Benjamin Hryszko, and Connor Robinson were named OAC All-Tournament team for the Blue Streaks.  

Marietta had a pair of shots in the second half, and Jovonni Auddino (Columbus, Ohio/Westerville North) provided the best opportunity to score with a shot towards the lower right corner, but the Blue Streaks goalie made the save.  The Pioneers were unable to find the equalizer and fell 1-0.    

"I am sorry our seniors, because of COVID protocols, could not be with us in the semis and finals.  They deserve the opportunity to experience the highs and lows that we felt this week.  I am going to miss them," stated Coach Bergin.  

Riccillo played all 90 minutes in goal, he faced 10 total shots, two of which were on goal, and made a save in the match.  

Marietta finished the season with a record of 7-3-1 overall.

"We will be back at in four short months, and we have another good class coming in as we try to make a run at an OAC title," concluded Coach Bergin.
 
Fans can follow all of the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on Twitter and Instagram.