Spartan Men Unable to Break Through versus Ohio Northern in NCAA Second Round
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Case Western Reserve University men's soccer team had its NCAA Tournament run ended by No. 10 nationally-ranked Ohio Northern University, 2-0, in second round action on Sunday evening at Case Field.
The Spartans end the season at 15-5 overall and have a 2-1-1 record all-time in a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. Ohio Northern advances to the "Sweet 16" with an overall record of 20-2-2.
Case outshot ONU, 18-10, for the match and had several great looks at the net. But, clutch saves from ONU goalkeeper Mac Church and several shots hitting the posts kept the Spartans off of the scoreboard.
The Polar Bears scored the first goal of the contest in the 26th minute when Cameron Johnson knocked in a header following a free kick by Austin Windsor. Abrim Mueller added an insurance score in the 43rd minute via an assist from Christian Huelsman.
Three Spartans recorded three shots apiece, including All-American senior forward Vinny Bell (Parma Heights, Ohio/Valley Forge), senior midfielder Kyle Alsup (Avon, Ohio/Detroit Country Day, Mich.) and freshman forward Patrick O'Day (Plano, Texas/Plano Senior).
In goal, senior keeper Ben Yabrow (Marietta, Ga./George Walton Comprehensive) made two saves for the Spartans. Church recorded eight saves the Polar Bears.
Bell ends the most accomplished career in program history as the school's all-time leader for career goals (43), career points (101), goals in a season (20), and points in a season (50).
Case's 52 goals this season were a school record. The Spartans also captured the second University Athletic Association Championship in team history.
