Tiffin, Ohio – September 12, 2009 – The Heidelberg University men’s soccer team conquered over Allegheny College to give the Gators their first loss of the year. The Berg improves to an impressive 3-1 record while the Gators fall to 3-1.
It was scoreless through the second half, until Greg Doyle (Perrysburg, Ohio / Perrysburg) flicked the ball into Allegheny's penalty area which then Grant Beck (Roanoke, Texas / Keller) placed a header past the Gator's goal keeper. The goal marks Beck’s first of his collegiate career while Doyle also earned his first assist and point.
The win marks Heidelberg’s first three game winning streak since 2005 when they triumphed over Defiance College (Sept. 21), Siena Heights University (Sept. 24), and Mount Union College (Oct. 1). In the Berg’s last three wins, all of the game-winning goals have come in the 75th minute or later.
Beck also had a team leading four shots on the night, and leads the team on the season with 11. Also contributing was Cory Buhrman (Brunswick, Ohio / Brunswick) with two shots. Greg Acuna (Findlay, Ohio / Findlay) and Gavin McCarthy (Hilliard, Ohio / Hilliard Darby) each earned a shot on the night.
Heidelberg’s goal keeper Ryan Smith (Roanoke Texas / Keller) was relentless achieving his second straight shutout and three saves. Smith has 13 saves for the 2009 campaign.
Coming into the game, Allegheny was ranked fifth in their region. Head coach Brian Haley states that beating a respectable team speaks volumes to where the team is at. "Beating a regionally ranked team tonight and giving them their first loss is beginning to show what this team can do" Haley said. "The season is still young and we need to keep building momentum ... but the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle are beginning to take shape."
The Berg looks to make it four straight as they host Bluffton University Wednesday, September 16, at 7:00 p.m.