LEXINGTON, Ky. — A first half scoring barrage turned into a second half defensive standoff as Marietta College held on for a 4-3 victory at Transylvania University Saturday (Sept. 6) afternoon in men's soccer action. The Pioneers improve to 2-1-1 on the season, while Transylvania slips to 2-1 overall.

"High quality first half from the boys with a really good offensive display. Transy threw everything but the kitchen sink at us in the second half and despite a couple of wobbles we were able to see it out," Marietta head coach Joe Bergin said. "I'm proud of the effort and it was fun to see some of the work we have been putting in come to fruition. On a personal side it was hard to compete against Ben (Federici) who is someone I have a great deal of love and respect for. I don't think either of us liked it that much."

The teams traded goals through the first sixteen minutes. Rowan Brown (Hamilton, Ohio/Badin) got Marietta on the board with an unassisted goal in the ninth minute. Transylvania responded a minute later with a goal from Nathan White.

Parker Bolin (Albany, Ohio/Alexander) scored on a header in the fourteenth minute putting Marietta back in front. Once again, it was a short-lived lead as Dylan Barnes leveled the match at 2-2 with an assist from Leo Bill in the sixteenth minute.

The scoring continued as Marietta put two more on the board before halftime. Bolin added his sixth goal of the season with an assist from Gavin Heighberger (Lagrange, Ohio/Elyria) in the 27th minute. Sam Holthaus (Columbus, Ohio/University) made it 4-2 with an assist from Dom Porter-Kovacich (Louisville, Ohio/Louisville) in the 32nd minute.

Both defenses regrouped at halftime and stifled the opposing offenses. Marietta keeper Noah Walker (Export, Pa./Franklin Regional) made several nice saves in the second half. Transylvania finally managed a goal in the 84th minute to get within one, 4-3. Josh Carr scored with an assist from Dylan Barnes.

Marietta is back on the pitch Sunday (Sept. 7) when the take on Hanover College at Transylvania. Kickoff is set for 1:00 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.