Westerville, Ohio – Kicking off their 2025 campaign, the Oberlin College men's soccer team headed south to take on the Otterbein Cardinals. In a battle between non-conference foes, the Yeomen ultimately fell 2-1.
 
After Otterbein jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, Lukas Verling made a trio of saves to keep the Cardinals at bay. The Yeomen got their first look on offense at 31:48 behind a shot from Matthew Taubman. Unable to convert on the long ball, the Crimson and Gold remained behind the home team.
 
The continued to intensify into the second half after Verling made saves in the bottom left and top right corners just minutes apart. With the Oberlin backline putting in their due diligence, rookie Alexander Bejarano aimed at cage, just missing to the left.
 
The offensive barrage from Otterbein converted the team's second goal of the night, but Yeomen fought back to get the ball on their attacking side of the field minutes later. After the offense dropped the ball in front of the goal, Otterbein's defense got lost in the confusion and gave up an own goal to put Oberlin on the board.
 
Running out of time, Oberlin was unable to score the equalizer and dropped the 2-1 match.
 
"We knew it was going to be a difficult task going into Otterbein, but the guys competed well." Head Coach Blake New continues, "There were some bright spots to build from."
 
The Yeomen have a quick turnaround when they come home for their next match on Sunday, August 31. Oberlin hosts former conference foe, Hiram, at 1 p.m.
 
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