ODU Erases Deficit, Wins 2-1

URBANA, Ohio (October 16, 2012) - In a battle of regional rivals fighting for an NCAA D-II tournament bid, the visiting Panthers from Ohio Dominican University overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat the Urbana University men's soccer team 2-1 in Urbana on Tuesday night. 
The hard-fought victory was an important one in the regional rankings as ODU improved to 9-4-1 overall.  Urbana dropped their fourth match in five tries to slip to 7-6-1 overall.

After a scoreless first half, both offenses exploded in the second frame.  Urbana drew first blood less than five minutes into the second half.  Sophomore Joe Carter sailed a pass 40 yards into the Panther box.  Carl Peers headed it home to put the Blue Knights on top 1-0.

The lead lasted 12 minutes.  ODU's Tyler Huerkamp redirected a Brent Wahle pass into the back of the net to tie the score at a goal apiece.  The Panthers grabbed their first lead of the afternoon exactly three minutes later on a long pass from Chad Hirsch that found Casey Weddle in the Blue Knights' box.  Weddle touched the ball over to Wahle beat keeper Darragh McGinley with a quick flick inside the near post.

Five minutes later, Weddle earned a penalty kick.  Another goal may have iced it, but Weddle's attempt banged off the post as Urbana stayed alive.

The final 20 minutes were fast and furious.  In all, the teams combined for an incredible 45 shots and 23 fouls.  Urbana outshot their opponents 25-20, including 21-14 in the second half, but Panther keeper Macklin Robinson stopped all but Peers' goal to earn the hard-fought victory.  Peers had a season-high 9 shots for the Blue Knights, but only 1 got by Robinson. 

Next Tuesday, Urbana hosts Cedarville with the G-MAC regular season championship on the line.  The winner will likely host the post-season tournament in early November.  Game time is set for 4:00 p.m. [Box Score]