Anderson, IN – The Oberlin College men's soccer team turned in a commanding performance to start the 2017 season, downing the Anderson University Ravens 4-0 on Friday afternoon.
 
The Yeomen controlled the run of play from start to finish, out-shooting the Ravens 24-7, which included an 8-2 margin in shots on goal. The Yeomen have now won six straight openers with their last game-one blemish coming back in 2011 to John Carroll University.
 
Despite the pressure in the offensive third, Oberlin went nearly the entire first half without a goal. However, senior hitman Timothy Williams had something to say about that, as he got free in the 42^nd minute to open up his 2017 scoring account. Just over two minutes later the Rabun Gap, Georgia, native struck again – this time with the help of a Jack McMillin feed to make it a 2-0 Yeomen advantage heading into the intermission.
 
In the second session the Yeomen would not face much push back from the Ravens as they trigger just two second-half shots.
 
In the 64^th minute, Oberlin would increase its lead when senior Matthew Bach-Lombardo stepped up to the penalty spot and promptly buried his second-career goal.
 
After already notching career goals 14 and 15, Williams got into the giving mood, setting up junior Brian James for his third-career goal in the 68^th minute to cap the game's scoring.
 
Williams and McMillin took six shots each to account for half of the team's total in the triumph.
 
Senior Connor English got the start between the pipes and made two saves before departing in the 81^st minute for rookie Fiachra McDonagh. He did not face a shot in his collegiate debut.
 
The Yeomen will have a quick turnaround, as they will fight for Freedom Trophy tomorrow afternoon against Earlham College. The first touch is set for 3 p.m.