URBANA, Ohio – The Ohio Dominican men's soccer team came out strong early and never looked back as they opened their season in fashion, defeating Urbana by a score of 2-0.

With this being the opening match for both squads, ODU starts the season off 1-0-0, while Urbana is now 0-1-0.

It did not take long for the Panthers to get on the board in the 2014 season as junior Brent Wahle (Pataskala, OH) scored on a header in the fifth minute with an assist from Justin Bonchek (Mayfield, OH). Just over seven minutes later, ODU was able to put another ball in the back of the net as senior Jakob Szabo (Worthington, OH) was able to chip a shot over the keeper from 30 yards out. The Panthers took a 2-0 lead on Szabo's goal.

The remainder of the first half went back and forth as the teams traded shots, with Urbana having the edge on shots after 45 minutes with 10, three on goal, while the Panthers were able to get four shots on goal on seven total shots. ODU was able to take their two goal lead into the break.

The second half, much like the end of a first half was back and forth with both teams getting opportunities in scoring areas, as each team ended the game with at least 14 shots. However, neither team was able to capitalize on the chances, as ODU never relinquished their lead, winning by a final score of 2-0.

Wahle and Szabo tied for the lead in shots in the contest with three each. Bonchek recorded the only assist of the game. Junior Justin Alexander (Reynoldsburg, OH) was able to save all six shots on goal by the Blue Knights to record his first shutout of the season.

The Panthers will stay on the road for their next match as they travel to Bellarmine University on Sunday for a matinee 2:30 p.m. start.

Contact: Tyler Jester

jestert@ohiodominican.edu