COLUMBUS, Ohio – This weekend, the Ohio Dominican men's soccer team starts their 2023 campaign by welcoming McKendree on Thursday evening and #23 Notre Dame College on Sunday afternoon.

The Panthers ended last season 3-11-3 overall and 3-9-2 in the Great Midwest athletic Conference. Head coach Willy Merrick enters his 15th season at the helm this fall.

About Ohio Dominican

The Black and Gold return 13 from a season ago and welcome 17 newcomers to the squad this fall. Among the returners are seniors Mohamed Sheik (Columbus, Ohio) and Jacob Gruber (Westerville, Ohio). Sheik snagged three goals and an assist last season, including a hat-trick against #11 Walsh University. Gruber grabbed an assist and a goal a season ago.

Sophomores Jack Jenkins (Canal Winchester, Ohio) and Lucas Baker (Hilliard, Ohio) also return to the pitch for the Panthers this fall. Both players added goals in their freshman campaigns. Senior goalkeeper, Cory Pulles (Pickerington, Ohio) returns in the net. Pulles recorded 33 saves last season.

ODU holds a 5-6-2 record in season openers and a 3-4-2 record in home season openers.

About McKendree

The Bearcats wrapped up last season at 5-5-6 overall and 3-4-5 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, just missing out on the postseason. McKendree was selected seventh in the GLVC Preseason poll.

Head coach Scott Gyllenborg welcomes back a number of players including All-GLVC Third Team honoree Philipp Schmidt. The junior netted six assists and helped lead the defense to a 1.13 GAA. Returning in goal for the Bearcats is junior Anthony Swenson. Swenson collected 20 saves and a GAA of 0.96 last fall.

The Panthers and the Bearcats meet for just the third time in the Division II Era this Thursday. McKendree holds the edge over Ohio Dominican with a 1-0-1 record.

About Notre Dame (Ohio)

The Falcons ended last season with a 16-5-2 overall mark and a 12-3-1 record in the Mountain East Conference. NDC fell in the MEC Tournament Championship game to #6 Charleston. Notre Dame qualified for the NCAA Division II Tournament, winning the opening round 2-1, but ultimately falling in the second round to top-ranked Franklin Pierce 6-2.

NDC was chosen second in the MEC Preseason poll under head coach Carl Nolan. Returning for the Falcons is junior Connor O'Reilly. The midfielder tallied 10 goals and two assists. O'Reilly was named to the All-MEC Second Team and All-Atlantic Region First Team.

Notre Dame and Ohio Dominican have not met in the Division II Era. The two teams played in 2008 during the NAIA Era with NDC winning 3-1.

Game Time

Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM on Thursday evening against McKendree. On Sunday, the game is set for 3:00 PM against Notre Dame College.