ANGOLA, Ind. – The Trine University men's soccer team squared off with nationally-ranked Otterbein University in the team's home opener on Saturday afternoon. The Thunder came up short 2-0 to the 24th ranked team in NCAA Division III.
"We did well early on to get balls into dangerous scoring areas like we work on in training, a couple chances that we did have, we couldn't execute on them," Coach Jacobs mentioned postgame. "Hats of to them, they are a solid team and top 25 program."
Trine falls to 0-1 this season, while the Cardinals of Otterbein move to 2-0 overall.
In the second minute of play, the Thunder had a huge scoring opportunity that resulted in a save. Junior Francesco Mazzei accepted a pass in the midfield and struck the ball with momentum towards the net, but a jumping save kept the match scoreless.
The keeper junior Aidan McGonagle made a pair of saves on shots within the first five minutes as well to keep Otterbein off the board. He made a glove save in the 23rd minute as well that preserved the clean sheet for the time being.
Freshman Gavin Hardy had an opportunity as well for the Thunder, but had his shot in traffic blocked.
The Cardinals got on the board in the waning moments of the first half of a set piece. A free kick was sent into the box and McGonagle was unable to retrieve it.
Trine started with the ball in the second half and junior Tyler Murphy almost converted the equalizer after he got behind the defense. His classmate Alhusain Yahya had an opportunity in the 57th minute as well, but a key save kept Otterbein in front.
The Cardinals would counter for a goal of their own to go up 2-0 less than one minute later.
The Thunder stayed on the attack and outshot Otterbein in the second half 8-5. Freshmen Liam Zimmerman and Braden Estep each were credited with shots late, but none were able to get through.
In total, Murphy led the squad with three shot attempts, all of them on goal. McGonagle made six saves in net.
Trine men's soccer remains at home on Monday, September 5 when they take on Franklin College. That match will take place on Shive Field at 1 pm.