MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College used a smothering defense to defeat Heidelberg University by the score of 3-0 Saturday (Oct. 11) evening in Ohio Athletic Conference men's soccer action. The Pioneers improve to 4-8-2 overall and 1-2 in the OAC. Heidelberg falls to 2-11 overall and 0-3 in the OAC.
"This was the most complete performance of the year. I'm proud of the team and I know it feels good to win a game again," Marietta head coach
Joe Bergin said. "This one goes in the memory bank tomorrow as we have Capital on Wednesday."
The Pioneer defense limited Heidelberg to just two shots in the game, one each half. Marietta's back line of
Sam Holthaus (Columbus, Ohio/University),
Connor Heramb (Willoughby, Ohio/Willoughby South),
Jaren Reed (Gallipolis, Ohio/Point Pleasant), and
Teo Holliman (Columbus, Ohio/Grandview Heights) were near perfect on then night. Keeper
Noah Walker (Export, Pa./Franklin Regional) made one save while posting his first career shutout.
Marietta had several good scoring opportunities early in the match and finally stuck one in the back of the net in the 25th minute.
Parker Bolin (Albany, Ohio/Alexander) scored his league-leading 12th goal of the season with an assist from
Gavin Heighberger (Lagrange, Ohio/Elyria).
Pat Williamson (Hove, Sussex, United KIngdom/Cardinal Newman) gave the Pioneers some breathing room with a goal in the 54th minute. Williamson scored his first goal of the season with an assist from
Rowan Brown (Hamilton, Ohio/Badin). Holthaus put the game out of reach with his second goal of the season in the 80th minute.
Dom Porter-Kovacich (Louisville, Ohio/Louisville) had the assist.
For the match, Marietta took 25 shots, including 14 shots on goal. The Student Princes managed one shot on goal. The Pioneers held a 9-1 advantage on corner kicks.
Mikael Paulson posted 11 saves in goal for Heidelberg.
Marietta plays at Capital University on Wednesday (Oct. 15) at 7:00 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 X and Instagram.