MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College opened the 2023 season with an impressive 3-0 victory over Chatham University Friday (Sept. 1) evening in nonconference men's soccer action.
"A year ago, we probably don't get this result. I'm happy with the way we never wavered from the game plan. We finally got rewarded with that first goal and it took a huge weight off of us and we found a way to put two more away," Marietta head coach
Joe Bergin said. "All three goals came from newcomers and the back line which had new players in it as well was solid. Overall, it's nice to start the season with three points."
Both teams battled to a scoreless first half as scoring chances were few in the first 45 minutes. The Pioneers mustered 10 shots in the half but only two were on goal. Even still, Marietta controlled the action throughout the half and held the Cougars to only three shots for the entire half.
Marietta kept up the pressure in the early part of the second half. Three minutes into the period, the Pioneers sent two consecutive shots into the left post, but could not score. Finally, in the 55th minute, the Pioneers finally got on the board. Chatham failed to clear the ball and, after the nearest defender slipped on the turf,
Gavin Heighberger (Lagrange, Ohio/Elyria) found himself in a one-on-one with the Cougar's goalkeeper Justin Teufel. The freshman finessed a shot into the lower right portion of the goal, giving the Pioneers the first lead of the matchup.
The Pioneers extended the lead with 13 minutes remaining as
Payton Maynard (Middletown, Ohio/Lebanon) was able to escape his defender and rocketed a shot into the upper-right corner to put the lead at 2-0.
Joel Tshiamala (Gerona, Spain/Sportsworld EDU) put in an insurance goal with an assist from
Lee Miller (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) with under two minutes and the Pioneers claimed the victory.
Marietta had 27 shots in the match, including eight shots on goal, while Chatham managed six total shots, three on goal. The Pioneers were awarded 12 corners to zero for the Cougars.
Marietta will travel to battle Washington and Jefferson this Sunday (Sept. 3) at 1:30 p.m.
Fans can follow all 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.
