Olivet Nazarene University

Posted: Saturday, October 31, 2009

W, Olivet Nazarene University - 3
Trinity International University (Ill.) - 1

Boxscore


NEW LENOX, Ill. - Looking to finish the regular season on a two-game winning streak, the Olivet Nazarene University men's soccer team was more than willing to put forth the effort to make that happen as it prepared to head into the postseason. On Saturday, October 31st against Trinity International University (Ill.), the Tigers were dominant, winning 3-1.

The Trojans, who tied the Tigers last season, looked to do the same this year or end with the win, but would fall short. Olivet would do what they had to do, knowing that the CCAC Tournament was just around the corner. With the win, they move their record to 12-6 overall, and 7-3 in the CCAC, good for third in the CCAC. The Trojans, meanwhile, dropped to 3-15 overall and 3-7 in the CCAC.

The game was played at Lincoln Way-Central High School in New Lenox, Ill. after it was determined that ONU's Tiger Field was not going to be playable on Saturday due to wet and muddy conditions.

With the wind blowing and the cold sitting very much on top of the field, ONU could have no excuses, and showed they were not interested in making any. They took control in the first half at the 23 minute mark when senior midfielder Jose Villa (West Chicago, Ill.) got a pass back from senior forward Josh Ayers (Colfax, Ill.) and finished it from 15 yards out for his third goal of the year. The Tigers were not about to stop there, as at the 34 minute mark, freshman Logan Engelkes (Winnebago, Ill.) would put in a rebound from the right side from 25 yards out. The shot angle seemed to be impossible for the freshman's third career goal, but Engelkes found a way to make it work to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead at half. Immediately following halftime, junior forward Billy Jackson (White Stone, Va.) put away his fifth goal of the year off the second assist of the game from Josh Ayers. The ball was played in beautifully over the defense and Jackson put it away for the Tigers. The Trojans however would get on board at the 48 minute mark when Andrew Nyberg scored from 10 yards out after a Tiger defensive breakdown.

The Tigers' offense was once again all over the Trojans goal and did not allow them time to relax as they out-shot the Trojans 22 to eight. ONU had four corner kicks to Trinity's three, and ONU and TIU had 19 and 20 fouls, respectively in the game. There were three yellow cards handed out. Goalie Kenny Huber (Grand Blanc, Mich.) got his ninth win of the year. He would finish with only one save and would give up one goal on a defensive breakdown.

ONU will compete in the quarterfinal round of the CCAC Tournament next Saturday, November 7th. The location, game time, and opponent are yet to be determined. The tournament will consist of the top six teams and be held in bracket format. The Tigers will look to capture their first CCAC title starting next weekend.

Nick Birkey
Men's SID