Oberlin, Ohio – Recording his second penalty goal of the season,
Michael Dolton propelled the Oberlin College men's soccer team to their first tie in program history against John Carroll in the final home game of the regular season.
In the short seven-game history against the Blue Streaks, starting with their first matchup in 2011, the Yeomen have never tied John Carroll and come as close as one goal. This also marks the first time Oberlin has recorded a goal against John Carroll at home.
In a tight battle, Oberlin recorded 13 shots with three on target, while JCU recorded 15 shots and seven on goal. The Blue Streaks also held a 7-2 edge in corner kicks.
Vince Fortuna produced a full 90 minutes in goal, notching six saves.
John Carroll tested the Oberlin defense early, with eight shots before the Yeomen got their first sight of offensive action, with saves from Fortuna in the 10', 21', 23', and 28'.
Rayaan Mohamed and
Orlando Popkin both aimed to get the Crimson and Gold on the board, but found their shots just high of the goal. Controlling the ball off the rebound after Fortuna made a diving save, John Carroll scored with just under five minutes in the first half.
Oberlin controlled offensive action following the halftime break with a shot from
Kinton Surface that just soared wide of the goal. Minutes later,
Ishaan Saini fought to gain possession of the loose ball, quickly sending it to the top of the goal, but was stopped by the outstretched arms of the JCU goalkeeper. Saini delivered a second shot on goal in the 68', but was denied again.
With John Carroll looking for the insurance goal, Fortuna was tested twice in the 81st minute with great stops on both attempts. Following a Blue Streaks yellow card with under five minutes remaining, Dolton drew a penalty kick opportunity for the second time in two games after scoring a penalty goal in Oberlin's previous game. Launching the ball to the top right, Dolton got the Yeomen on the board to tie the visitors.
Leo Pelizzari-Astle and
Luca Stephan produced final attempts for Oberlin, as Pelizzari-Astle was blocked by a JCU defender and Stephan's shot hit the left woodwork.
The Yeomen will travel to #18 Denison in the final match of the regular season on Saturday, October 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
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