*Story by Alex Trevino

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio – The Wilmington College men's soccer team played a phenomenal match against the defending Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) champions in John Carroll University on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Fightin' Quakers, a late own goal conceded in the 88th minute proved to be the difference as John Carroll secured a 1-0 victory.

John Carroll pressed the action in the first half, unleashing 11 shots compared to just five for Wilmington. Each goal keeper was pressed into action three times in the first half, and each time, they were able to make the save. In spite of this disparity Wilmington went into the half tied 0-0.

The Wilmington defense was again fiercely tested in the second half as John Carroll fired 11 shots at goalkeeper Thomas Grimes. Time and again, Grimes and the Wilmington defense were able to turn away the Blue Streaks. In the 88'th minute, however, disaster struck. A John Carroll pass was sent into the box at an awkward angle, and a Quaker defender stuck his foot out to try and clear the ball, but it ricocheted into his own net. This error would prove to be the difference in the game as John Carroll won by a final score of 1-0. 

Grimes registered five saves in the loss for Wilmington. JCU goalkeeper Jake Volgrin made four saves in the victory. Patrick Koenig had five shots for the Blue Streaks. 

Up next, Wilmington will face the Capital University Comets at home at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.