MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College closed out the regular season with a 2-0 win over Baldwin Wallace University Saturday (Oct. 31) evening in Ohio Athletic Conference men's soccer action. The win clinched a spot in next week's OAC Tournament, Marietta's first post season appearance since 2023.
"This was a game that we didn't see much of the ball, but our defense was solid and every time they got thru Travis (Lutz) was there for us," Marietta head coach
Joe Bergin said. "We go again on Tuesday against this same well coached side in Baldwin Wallace."
In a match that saw 25 fouls and 11 cards issued, it was difficult for either team to get into a rhythm. Marietta's scoring opportunities were limited, but the Pioneers took advantage of the ones they had.
Rowan Brown (Cincinnati, Ohio/Badin) opened the scoring in the 38th minute.
Landon Stonestreet (Hurricane, W.Va/Hurricane) crossed the ball into the box where
Karifa Traore (Katy, Texas/Sainte Marie) managed to get a shot off that was blocked by a BW defender. Brown was in the right position to bury the follow up shot in the back of the net.
Marietta thought it had a chance to double its lead early in the second half when Baldwin Wallace was whistled for a foul in the box. After a video review, the Yellow Jackets earned a reprieve when the call was reversed.
Owen Wagner (West Chester, Ohio/Lakota East) slipped past the BW defense and had a one-on-one with the keeper in the 78th minute. Seth Warrick came off his line and committed a hard foul on Wagner in the box earning a red card and a penalty kick for the Pioneers.
Gavin Heighberger (Lagrange, Ohio/Elyria) converted the penalty for a 2-0 Marietta lead.
"The injury is tough to witness but we know that Owen was adamant that we see the game out," Bergin said. "And with Gav's (Heighberger) goal, we did."
Down a man, Baldwin Wallace failed to mount a comeback in the final 12 minutes of the match. Travi Lutz posted nine saves in 86-plus minutes in goal for the Pioneers. Diego Teran had three saves in the first half for Baldwin Wallace.
Baldwin Wallace won't have to wait long for a chance at revenge. Marietta is seeded fifth in the OAC Tournament and plays at No. 4 seed, Baldwin Wallace, on Tuesday (Nov. 3). Game time is to be determined.
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.
