In a physical match between conference foes on a crisp October night, the Blue Streaks proved to be the tougher team. In a battle of second place teams John Carroll, defeated Ohio Northern, formerly second in the OAC, in a 2-1 decision at Don Shula Stadium.
John Carroll moves to 8-4-1 (4-1-0 in the OAC) and Ohio Northern becomes 9-4-1 (2-2 in the OAC).
The Polar Bears of Ohio Northern struck first before 20 minutes could elapse in the match. Jimmy Walkinshaw dropped a lob pass from about 30 yards out into a swarm in the box. Levi King picked up the lob off his foot and smacked a shot past McIntosh's left side to give ONU the early lead.
The lead, however, was short-lived.
Minutes later, the Blue Streaks found themselves in one of their three corner kick situations on the night. Lutz placed the ball into the box, but the ball bounced to the far side where senior
Jarrod McDowell's foot was waiting. He gathered the pass and dropped a short lob into the mixer where
Matt Nigro rose above the crowd of players and headed home the neutralizer.
With less than 15 minutes of action left in the first half, the Blue Streaks drew a penalty in the box, garnering a PK attempt from captain
Brian Lutz. The senior smashed home the go ahead goal with ease, netting his fifth goal of the season.
The John Carroll defense held ONU to just five shots in the first half, allowing eleven total in the match.
Early on in the second half, the Blue Streaks focused on deflecting attack after attack by the Polar Bears. The staunch defensive effort was successful as the Blue Streaks held ONU from scoring, securing the 2-1 win. The second half also brought tension between the teams. All five yellow cards in the match were called in the second half, three of which were awarded to Polar Bear players.
JCU is now 19-14-7 all-time against Ohio Northern, including 3-1-3 since 2014.
Due to Capital's loss earlier in the day to Mount Union, John Carroll's win puts them at the top of the OAC with Capital University.
The Blue and Gold will take on the Yellow Jackets of Baldwin Wallace University this Wednesday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m.
