TIFFIN, Ohio – The Trine University men's soccer team outlasted the Heidelberg University Student Princes on Friday afternoon 2-1.
The Thunder were up two goals, before a late rally by Heidelberg put the win in jeopardy. Nonetheless, Trine was able to pick up the victory when the clock hit triple zeros.
With the win, the Thunder move to 3-1 this season, and the loss marks the first of the 2021 season for Heidelberg at 3-1 as well.
The first half was a stalemate as both teams were feeling each other out. Trine outshot their opponents 6-2, but there was only one combined shot on goal.
The best opportunity of the opening period came when Ethan Pendry [Perrysburg, Ohio / Perrysburg] looked like he had gotten free from the Heidelberg defense, but pushed a shot left in the 32nd minute.
After the halftime intermission, it was Francesco Mazzei [Dearborn, Mich. / Dearborn] who broke the tie with a goal from just outside the box on a free kick. The shot curved over the wall of defenders and just out of reach of the keeper in the right side of the net.
Mazzei was not done for the day, however, as he assisted on the second goal of the match, a strike from Alhusain Yahya [Melvindale, Mich. / Melvindale] in the 63rd minute. Yahya celebrated with some gymnastics on the side of the pitch.
The Student Princes would not go quietly, as Rafael Bellucci Marin netted a goal to make it 2-1 in the 74th minute of action.
The Thunder defensive front of Pendry, Beau Hill [Allen, Texas / Allen], Colin Nicoski [Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield East], Jared Cromwell [Grand Rapids, Mich. / Northview] and goalkeeper Luis Rodriguez [El Paso, Texas / Bel Air] held Heidelberg in check over the final 26 minutes of the match and secure the victory.
Rodriguez totaled two saves in net for Trine.
The Thunder continue on their long road trip to start the season on Sunday when Trine faces Benedictine (Ill.). Kick-off for that match will be at 2 pm.
