Senior Duo Receives Academic All-OAC Recognition
Written Nov. 19, 2009 by Ryan Catanese

WESTERVILLE, OHIO –Seniors Auggie Fisher (Dublin/Jerome) and Matt Beckett (Sunbury/Big Walnut) have been named to the Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) team, the conference office announced Thursday morning.

Fisher, a four-year starter at midfielder, was named to the All-Academic First Team. This is his second appearance on the team (Honorable Mention 2008). A Computer Science major, he has made the Otterbein Dean’s List all nine terms since arriving in Westerville.

Fisher also appeared on the ESPN Magazine All-District IV team in 2008 and 2009.

Beckett, a three-year starter at forward, was named All-Academic Honorable Mention.  A team captain, Beckett ranked sixth in the OAC in points, recording a team leading eight goals and one assist, for a total of 17 points. An International Studies major, he has made the Dean’s List three times.

This season, Beckett earned second team All-OAC honors and was also a member of the ESPN the Magazine All-District IV team.

Click here to view the entire OAC All-Academic team.

Beckett, Shepherd and Jones Earn All-OAC Honors
Written Nov. 11, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Seniors Matt Beckett and Harrison Jones, and sophomore Brandon Shepherd have earned spots on the All-Ohio Athletic Conference team, announced the league office this morning.

Beckett and Shepherd were chosen to the second team while Jones garnered honorable mention status.

Beckett, a forward, led the Cardinals and finished tied for ninth in the league with 17 points (eight goals, one assist). Earlier this season, he earned OAC Player of the Week honors with a four-goal performance against Urbana.

Shepherd, a midfielder, helped the team record five shutouts on the season. He sat four among Cardinals in both shots and shots on goal. 

Jones, who played multiple positions this season, tallied the game-winning goal to beat Hiram 1-0 earlier in the season and also had a hand in Otterbein recording five shutouts. This fall, Jones ranked third on the team in shots and shots on goal. He was selected to the All-OAC team as a midfielder.

The team missed making the conference tournament by one game this season.

Beckett, Fisher Grab Spots on ESPN the Magazine All-Academic Team
Written Nov. 1, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Auggie Fisher, a senior from Dublin, and Matt Beckett, a senior from Sunbury, have been named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV men's soccer team as selected by the College Sports Information Director’s of America (CoSIDA), released this past weekend by the organization. 

Fisher earned a first team selection while Beckett garnered second team honors. Due to earning a spot on the first team, Fisher will move on to the national ballot for Academic All-America consideration.

Fisher, a three-year starting midfielder majoring in computer science, holds a 3.92 grade-point average and has been on the Otterbein Dean’s List all nine terms. An ESPN the Magazine second-team choice in 2008, Fisher was also named Academic All-OAC honorable mention a year ago.

Beckett, a three-year starting forward, led the team in scoring with 17 points (eight goals, one assist) this season. His point total was good enough to rank him sixth in the conference. Earlier this season, he was named the OAC “Player of the Week” for scoring four goals in a 6-2 victory over Urbana. An International Studies major, Beckett has made the Dean’s List three times.

Academic All-District IV team members are selected through voting by CoSIDA, a 2,000-member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. District IV encompasses the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Click here to view the entire CoSIDA Academic All-District team.
 

Otterbein Suffers Road Loss at Capital
Written Oct. 31, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein dropped a 2-0 decision at cross-town rival Capital Saturday afternoon to end its season.

Capital improved to 15-4-1 and 7-1-1 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) with the win while the Cardinals fall to 5-10-3 and 3-6 in league play.

Both teams battled in the opening half, with Capital holding a 6-3 edge in shots. Neither team was able to score, and the game headed to halftime locked in a scoreless tie.

Ian Warmbodt then broke away from the OC defense at the 55:46 mark in the second frame and slipped a shot low past goalie Dave Dziedzicki for the 1-0 lead.

In the 66^th minute, Warmbodt picked up a loose ball at the top of the box and scored his second goal of the day to extend the Crusader lead to 2-0.

Otterbein was unable to convert any chances the rest of the way en route to the defeat.

Capital held a 13-8 shot advantage while OC took nine corners compared to just four for the Crusaders.

The loss takes Otterbein out of contention for the last spot in the OAC Tournament. With nine points, Otterbein is currently tied with John Carroll in sixth place, with the Blue Streaks hosting Muskingum later this evening.

Unfortunately, John Carroll defeated Otterbein 2-1 earlier this season and holds the head-to-head tie-breaker.

Cards Defeat Muskingum, Stay Alive for Postseason Berth
Written Oct. 28, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein improved its record to 5-9-3 overall and stayed in the hunt for an Ohio Athletic Conference tournament spot with a 1-0 victory over Muskingum Wednesday at Clements Field.

Dustin Kiaski

Freshman forward Dustin Kiaski gave the Cards a 1-0 lead when he put a shot left upper 90 from nearly 25 yards out at the beginning of the 34th minute.

Junior Byron Horton was credited with an assist on the play.

Otterbein controlled the tempo in the second half, playing the majority of the 45 minutes on Muskingum’s half of midfield.  Although there were several attacks on goal, none found the back of the net.

The effort was enough, however, to preserve the victory and stay in the race for one of the last spots in the postseason tournament. The top six teams will make the tournament, scheduled to begin next week.

The Cards out-shot Muskingum 18-8, and held an 8-3 edge on corner kicks.

Anthony Vaccaro and Andrew Miller combined to make five saves for the Muskies while OC senior keeper Dave Dziedzicki tallied two en route to the shutout.

The team concludes the regular season Saturday afternoon when they travel to battle cross-town rival Capital. First-kick is slated for 3 p.m.

Otterbein Falls to Ohio Northern on Senior Day
Written Oct. 24, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – The Otterbein men’s soccer team FELL 1-0 TO Ohio Northern Saturday afternoon at Clements Field.

The contest appeared to be heading for a scoreless first half, but Northern’s Cameron Johnson took a corner kick from Christian Huelsman with less than five minutes remaining before halftime and headed it into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

ONU held a 9-7 shot advantage at the break.

The second half did not see many opportunities for either team, as the Cards held a slim 2-1 edge in shots. Unfortunately, neither was able to find its way past Polar Bear keeper Mac Church.

Ohio Northern held an overall shot advantage of 10-9 while Otterbrein took eight corner kicks compared to the Polar Bear’s seven.

Otterbein keeper Dave Dziedzicki tallied four saves in between the posts while Chruch stopped five for ONU.

The team next hosts Muskingum on Wednesday. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.

Cardinals Drop Road Contest at John Carroll
Written Oct. 20, 2009 by Adam Prescott

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OHIO – John Carroll scores two second-half goals and came from behind to defeat the Otterbein men’s soccer team Tuesday afternoon in conference action.

Otterbein struck first, going ahead 1-0 when senior forward Matt Beckett scored his eighth goal of the season on a header that came into the box off a lofted pass from senior Cody DiLauro.

The score came in just the seventh minute and was Becket’ss first since his four-goal performance against Urbana nearly one month ago.

The contest headed to halftime with the Cards holding a 1-0 advantage.

John Carroll evened the game at 1-1 in the 587^th minute when Andrew Fatigati retrieved a pass and slipped it into the back of the goal.

Both teams continued to fight in the tie game until the 75:42 mark, when Kyle Buxman took a long feed pass and beat Otterbein keeper Alex Kamphaus for the go-ahead score.

The Cards were unable to find the back of the net the rest of the way as JCU earned a 2-1 OAC victory.

Carroll held an 18-11 shot advantage, and took all three of the game’s corner kicks.

Senior Dave Dziedzicki stopped four shots in the first half of play for OC while Kamphaus tallied one save in the second 45 minutes.

Mike Telzrow stopped two shots for the Blue Streaks.

The team next returns home to host Ohio Northern on Saturday afternoon. Game time from Clements Field is set for 2 p.m.

Second Half Goal Allows Heidelberg to Escape With 1-0 Victory
Written Oct. 17, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein dropped a 1-0 decision to Heidelberg Saturday afternoon at Clements Field, falling to 2-3 in league play.

Heidelberg held an 8-3 shot advantage in the first half, but neither team was able to get on the scoreboard as the game went into the half locked at 0-0.

In the 59^th minute, Heidelberg’s Cory Buhrman took a misplayed ball from an Otterbein defender and slipped it past Cardinal goalie Alex Kamphaus for what would be the eventual game-winner.

Otterbein saw its best opportunity in the 71^st minute, but a shot from senior Matt Beckett was blocked by Heidelberg keeper Ryan Smith.

The Cards scrambled at the top of the box in the last minute of play to try and even the game, but the ball was eventually cleared by the Student Prince defense.

The Berg held a slim 10-8 edge in shots, while Otterbein had a 4-0 corner kick advantage.

Smith netted three stops in goal for Heidelberg while senior goalie Dave Dziedzicki had all of Otterbein’s six saves in the first half.

The team next hits the road to play John Carroll on Tuesday. Start time from University Heights is slated for 4 p.m.

Daniels' First Career Goal Lifts Otterbein to Victory at Mount Union
Written Oct. 14, 2009 by Adam Prescott

ALLIANCE, OHIO – Freshman Tyler Daniels picked a perfect time to record his first career goal, scoring two minutes into double overtime and giving Otterbein a 1-0 victory over Mount Union Wednesday in Alliance.

The victory pulls the Cards back to an even 2-2 record in conference play.

Tyler Daniels

Otterbein held a 6-4 shot advantage in the opening half, including three by senior forward and leading scorer Matt Beckett in the last 14 minutes.

Unfortunately, none found the back of the net as the game went to halftime locked in a scoreless tie.

Mount Union held a 7-5 edge in shots over the next 45 minutes, but none found their way past goalie Alex Kamphaus.

OC’s Auggie Fisher had the last shot of the second half at the 86:45 mark, but the attempt was blocked and the game headed for overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime, Daniels gathered a ball in front of the Purple Raider goal and shot is past Mount keeper Jon Critell for the win. Sophomore Seth Holland was credited with an assist on the play.

The Cards held a slim 14-13 shot advantage while both teams took five corner kicks.

Critell tallied four saves in net for the Raiders while Dave Dziedzicki and Kamphaus combined for three.

The team next returns home to host Heidelberg on Saturday. Game time from Clements field is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Cardinals Drop 3-0 Decision to Baldwin-Wallace
Written Oct. 10, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein (3-6-3, 1-2 OAC) suffered a 3-0 loss at the hands of visiting Baldwin-Wallace (8-5, 3-0 OAC) Saturday afternoon at Clements Field. The win gives B-W its eighth-straight victory.

The Yellow Jackets saw the better of the chances early, out-shooting the Cards 6-1 over the first 23+ minutes.

The sixth shot proved to be costly for Otterbein, as BW’s Jeff Grater took a misplayed ball by an Otterbein defender and slipped it past Cardinal goalkeeper Dave Dziedzicki for the 1-0 lead.

Otterbein then put some pressure on the Yellow Jacket defense, firing off five shots over the next four minutes of action. Unfortunately, none of the opportunities found the back of the net as B-W goalie Russ Mika tallied three saves during the Otterbein flurry.

The Cards out-shot Baldwin-Wallace 6-2 overall throughout the remainder of the half since the initial score, but the game would head to halftime with B-W holding a 1-0 advantage.

OC saw a chance to even the game at the 52:19 mark, but Mika stopped a header from Cardinal sophomore Brandon Shepherd.

The Jackets extended the lead to 2-0 in the 67^th minute when Andrew Thompson took a pass from Pat Brennan and fired it past OC goalie Alex Kamphaus.

Jim Synk would put the visitors ahead 3-0 in the 85^th minute after receiving a ball from Carlin Vandendriessche, who had been working his way up the left side.

Otterbein had an opportunity to get on the scoreboard in the final seconds, but a B-W defender was able to block a header from OC’s Brett Rogan just inches in front of the goal line.

Baldwin-Wallace held a 14-11 edge in shots while both teams attempted seven corner kicks.

Mika tallied six saves for B-W while Dziedzicki (4) and Kamphaus (1) combined to stop five shots for Otterbein.

The team next travels to play Mount Union on Wednesday. Starting time from Alliance is set for 7 p.m.

Late Penalty Kick Allows Marietta to Escape With 1-0 Victory
Written Oct. 6, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein fell to 1-1 in conference play Tuesday evening with a tough 1-0 loss to Marietta at Clements Field.

Otterbein drops its season record to 3-5-3 while the Pioneers improve to 3-8 overall and 1-1 in league play.

The Cardinals were attacking early, as the team had several crosses into the box in the first half.

However, many of the attempts were cleared by the Pioneer defense or snagged by Marietta goalie Andrew Shannon.

The game headed into halftime locked in a scoreless tie.

The second half opened with both sides seeing chances to score, but neither was able to convert.

In the 81st minute, after the Cardinals were called for a foul in the box, Marietta’s Dele Adedapo put his penalty kick into the bottom right corner of the goal for the 1-0 lead.

Otterbein saw a few opportunities as the last nine minutes wound down, the best of which came with two minutes remaining on a corner kick. Unfortunately, a header from senior Harrison Jones snuck its way wide of the left post.

OC held a slim 13-12 shot advantage, and also attempted twice as many corner kicks (6-3.)

Shannon had four stops in the net for Marietta while Otterbein goalies Dave Dziedzicki and Alex Kamphaus tallied three saves each.

The team next hosts Baldwin-Wallace on Saturday. First-kick from Clements Field is set for 1 p.m.

Holland Gives Cards Victory in Conference Opener at Wilmington
Written Oct. 3, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WILMINGTON, OHIO – Sophomore Seth Holland scored his first career goal, and gave Otterbein a 1-0 double overtime victory over Wilmington Saturday evening in the OAC opener for both squads.

The Quakers out-shot Otterbein 11-7 in the opening half, but senior goalkeeper Dave Dziedzicki recorded seven saves and helped the Cardinals head to halftime locked in a scoreless tie.

Seth Holland

Wilmington goalie Marty Ellis stopped four Cardinal shots in the first frame.

The host Quakers held an 11-5 shot advantage in the next 45 minutes, but OC sophomore keeper Alex Kamphaus did not allow a shot to find its way to the back of the net.

Unfortunately, the Cards were also unable to capitalize on any opportunities, as the game headed to overtime after a physical second half, which featured 14 total fouls.

In the extra session, Holland took a corner kick from Kiaski and put it upper 90 for the victory and his first career goal.

The Quakers held a 24-14 edge in shots, and also took nine corner kicks compared to just four for the Cardinals.

Ellis tallied four saves in goal for Wilmington while Dziedzicki and Kamphaus combined for nine.

The team next returns home to host Marietta on Tuesday. First-kick from Clements Field is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Otterbein Suffers Road Loss at Oberlin
Written Sep. 30, 2009 by Adam Prescott

OBERLIN, OHIO – Otterbein fell to 2-4-3 Wednesday evening, suffering a 2-0 loss at the hands of Oberlin in another cold and wet contest.

The Yeomen were unable to sneak anything past Otterbein senior goalkeepers Dave Dziedzicki in the opening half, as the Brunswick native tallied four saves on four opportunities.

Unfortunately, the Cards were not able to find a way to score as the game headed into the break a scoreless tie.

In the 59th minute, Oberlin’s Joshua Brancazio scored off a cross from the far side to put the hosts ahead 1-0.

Just 1:28 later, Skyler Dum deposited a shot into the lower left corner of the Otterbein goal to extend the lead to 2-0.

The score remained the same for the duration of the contest as OC was unable to score.

The shot chart was almost identical, with Oberlin holding a slim 17-16 advantage.

Both teams took three corner kicks and Oberlin was called for one more foul (10-9) than the Cardinals.

Zach Lipshultz tallied nine saves in the net for the Yeomen.

Dziedzicki had the four stops in the opening half while sophomore Alex Kamphaus recorded four in the second 45 minutes.

The team will next travel to play Wilmington on Saturday, with game-time set for 7 p.m.

Four-Goal Performance Garners Beckett Player of the Week Honors
Written Sep. 28, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein senior forward Matt Beckett (Sunbury/Big Walnut) has been named the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) “Player of the Week”, the league office announced Monday afternoon.

Beckett and the Cardinals made their only game this past week count, lighting up the home scoreboard with a 6-2 victory over Urbana Saturday in driving rain at Clements Field.

In the match, Beckett scored a career-high four goals, three of which game in the opening half of play.

Already with a hat-trick by halftime, Beckett converted a header off a cross in the 70th minute to cap his career day.

Two of the three first half scores were assisted by freshman Dustin Kiaski, who also scored a goal in the game.

The performance vaults Beckett into second in the conference in points, as he now stands at 15. He currently has seven goals and one assist on the season.

The team resumes action on Wednesday when they travel to take on Oberlin. First-kick is set for 7 p.m.

Beckett Turns in Career Day as Cards Cruise Past Urbana
Written Sep. 26, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Matt Beckett scored four goals to help lead the Otterbein men’s soccer team in a 6-2 route of visiting Urbana Saturday afternoon at a wet and rainy Clements Field.

Beckett opened the scoring in the seventh minute when he took a pass from freshman Dustin Kiaski and slipped it by the Urbana keeper for a 1-0 lead.

Matt Beckett

Kiaski then scored his first career goal at the 15:06 mark when he took a corner kick from Seth Holland and converted a header, putting the Cards ahead 2-0.

The duo then connected again in the 34^th minute when Kiaski fed another pass to Beckett and saw him find the back the net for a 3-0 advantage.

Otterbein’s Harrison Jones then had a shot attempt blocked by Urbana goalie Huw Howell-Pryce minutes before the half, but Beckett was nearby to rebound the deflection and shoot it into the goal for a first-half hat-trick.

OC took a 4-0 lead into the break after out-shooting the Blue Knights 12-4 over the first 45 minutes.

Urbana got on the board in the opening minutes of the second half when Nick Kadoves converted a header off a cross from the right side, cutting the lead to 4-1.

Beckett was not done, however, as he gave his squad a 5-1 lead when he took a pass from Tyler Daniels near the opposite post and headed it past Howell-Pryce in the 70^th minute, giving him his fourth score of the afternoon.

The Cards extended the lead to 6-1 at the 73:32 mark when Matthew Aardema tallied his first career score, with Daniels getting his second assist of the match on the play.

The Blue Knights added a late score in the 81^st minute to cap off the scoring for the day.

Otterbein held an 18-13 shot advantage, as well as a 12-4 edge in shots on goal.

Dave Dziedzicki went the first 45 minutes in goal for Otterbein and did not allow a goal, while Alex Kamphaus played the second period between the posts and surrendered both Urbana goals. Kampahaus recorded two saves in the period while Dziedzicki was not forced to make any in the opening stanza.

Overall, Beckett was more pleased with the team’s success on the day rather than his individual performance.

“The team really needed this win today, and it should serve as a nice confidence booster,” said Beckett. “I thought we played positive and proved we could attack and score goals. I am very proud of everyone.”

The team, which had not found the win column since September 5, will now look to build on the victory when the travel to take on Oberlin this coming Wednesday. First-kick in scheduled for 7 p.m.

Otterbein Drops Both Contests at Wittenberg Tournament
Written Sep. 19, 2009 by Adam Prescott

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – The Otterbein men’s soccer team dropped both contests this weekend at the Wittenberg Tournament, held Friday and Saturday in Springfield, Ohio.

Day one saw Otterbein matched up against Calvin (MI), with Calvin jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first 39 minutes and taking that advantage into the break.

The Knights added another goal in the second half of play to finish the scoring and earn a 3-0 victory.

Calvin out-shot Otterbein 22-5 and held a 6-4 edge in corner kicks.

  --------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday afternoon, Otterbein took the field to play Albion (MI), and battled in a scoreless first half that saw neither team able to capitalize on any opportunities.

Jimmy Niemann then broke the scoreless tie and scored what would be the game-winner in the 60^th minute off a shot from the right side, giving his team a 1-0 win.

Otterbein goalies Dave Dziedzicki and Alex Kamphaus each allowed two goals on the weekend while splitting time evenly. Both keepers also recorded five saves.

The Cards next return to action next Saturday when they host Urbana. First-kick from Clements Field is set for 2 p.m.

Cardinals Push #3 Ohio Wesleyan to the Limit, Battle to Eventual Tie
Written Sep. 16, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Senior Matt Beckett scores the first goal against Ohio Wesleyan this year as Otterbein fought the third-ranked Bishops to a 1-1 tie Wednesday evening at Clements Field.

Ohio Wesleyan, ranked third nationally by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), had not allowed a goal all season until the 13^th minute of play Wednesday when Otterbein senior midfielder Matt Beckett crossed a ball into the box from the right side, only to see Bishop goalie Richard Ott tip the ball into the back of the net.

Matt Beckett

The score marked Beckett's third goal in the
last two contests.

The goal gave the Cards a 1-0 advantage, and the score would remain the same heading into the half.

The intense first half ended with ten total fouls, a yellow card, and two red cards.

Otterbein, now playing without one of its top defenders, and Ohio Wesleyan, now playing without one of its top offensive threats, continued the aggressive play in the second half as both teams scraped for opportunities.

The Bishops then evened the match at 1-1 when Travis Wall took a pass from Brian Greene in a congested box and maneuvered a shot past Cardinal goalie Alex Kamphaus for the score.

Both teams battled for the remainder of regulation, only to see the game head to an extra session.

Otterbein out-shot Wesleyan 2-1 over the two overtime periods, but neither team found a way to convert any opportunities as the game ended in a 1-1 tie.

The Bishops held a 23-7 shot advantage, including a 12-4 edge in shots on goal. OWU took eight corner kicks compared to just two for the Cards.

Ott tallied one save in the opening half of play for Ohio Wesleyan while Paul Hendricks stopped two shots over the duration of the second half and both overtimes.

Otterbein senior keeper Dave Dziedzicki recorded two saves and did not allow a goal in the first stanza, while sophomore Alex Kamphaus stopped a career-best nine shots throughout the second half and both overtimes.

The game also featured 26 fouls, with three yellow cards and the two reds.

The Cardinals next travel to take part in the Wittenberg Tournament this weekend, opening up against Calvin (MI) Friday at 5 p.m.

Beckett Scores Twice as Cardinals Fight Wittenberg to Tie
Written Sep. 12, 2009 by Adam Prescott

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – Senior midfielder Matt Beckett scored twice in the second half of play to help Otterbein rally from a 0-2 deficit and eventually force a tie with Wittenberg Saturday evening.

The scoring began just 15 minutes into the contest when Wittenberg’s Tom Fisher took a long cross from teammate Robbie Farquhar and headed it past Cardinal goalie Dave Dziedzicki for a 1-0 lead.

The Tigers extended their lead to 2-0 when Brian Glenn took a through ball from Nate Ayers and scored on a short-left footed shot.

The hosts would take a 2-0 advantage into the break.

The Cards struck in the early minutes of the second stanza when senior Matt Beckett took a pass from brother Andrew in the 50^th minute and headed it into the back of the net to cut the deficit in half, at 2-1. The ball was crossed into the box by sophomore Greg Atkinson.

Beckett then scored his second goal by converting another header, this time off a cross from sophomore Kurt Gallant in the 70^th minute.

The game would head to overtime locked at 2-2.

The Cards were able to get off the only two shot attempts of either extra session, but neither went for a goal as the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

Otterbein held a 15-8 shot advantage, as well as an 8-4 edge on corner kicks. Both teams committed 11 fouls.

Dziedzicki played the first 45 minutes between the posts for the Cards and allowed two goals, while sophomore Alex Kamphaus relieved Dziedzicki to play the second half and both overtime periods. Kamphaus did not allow a score and stopped three shots.

Wittenberg keeper Michael Lambeck tallied seven saves.

OC next returns home to host Ohio Wesleyan on Wednesday. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

Second Half Rally Lifts Denison Over Otterbein
Written Sep. 9, 2009 by Ryan Catanese

WESTERVILLE, OHIO - Otterbein allowed three second half goals en route to suffering a 3-0 defeat to Denison Wednesday evening at Clements Field.

The two teams played even in the opening half as neither team was able to convert a scoring opportunity. 

Denison took a 1-0 lead when Ryan Torgersen took a pass from Lenny Mills and found the back of the net in the 59^th minute of action. 

Just 17 seconds later, Mills retrieved an ill advised kick by Otterbein goalkeeper Alex Kamphaus and scored to extend the Big Red lead to 2-0.

Adam Severs tacked on a third score for Denison with less than two minutes remaining to complete the scoring. 

The Big Red out-shot the Cards 12-9 while Otterbein held a 5-3 corner kick advantage.

Kevin Donahue stopped three shots between the posts for Denison while Otterbein keepers Dave Dziedzicki and Kamphaus combined for two saves. 

The Cards return to action on Saturday when they travel to play Wittenberg. First kick from Springfield is set for 7 p.m.

Otterbein Battles Wooster to Scoreless Tie in Season Opener
Written Sep. 1, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WOOSTER, OHIO – The Otterbein men’s soccer team fought Wooster to a scoreless tie Tuesday evening in the team’s season opener.

Otterbein outshot the Scots 6-1 in the opening period, but were unable to slip anything past Wooster goalie Taylor Takacs.

The second period saw a combined 19 shots, but again, neither side was able to muster a score.

OC held a 3-1 shot advantage in the first overtime session, two of which came off the foot of senior midfielder Auggie Fisher. After having one shot bounce off the cross bar, a Wooster defender slid in front of the goal to block Fisher's second attempt at putting  the game away.

Wooster held a 2-1 edge in shots during the second OT.

Cardinal goalkeeper Dave Dziedzicki recorded four saves while Takacs had ten for Wooster.

Otterbein held a 20-13 overall shot advantage while Wooster attempted seven corner kicks to the Cards’ four.

Otterbein next travels to battle Hiram this coming Saturday at 4 p.m.

Cardinals Ready To Turn Corner in 2009
Written Aug. 27, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO - After barely missing out on the OAC Tournament a season ago, Otterbein returns nine starters and 15 lettermen from a 2008 season that saw the team compete in multiple-close contests.

Last fall, the Cards won six games by one goal, lost five games by one goal, and fought to a tie three different times.

“We know that every game will be a battle and that we will have to outwork our opponents in order to be successful,” said head coach Gerry D’Arcy. “If we can turn around a couple of results from last year, it will make all the difference in this season.”

The team welcomes back a solid core of upperclassmen leaders, including seniors Auggie Fisher, Matt Beckett, and Harrison Jones. Also returning is leading scorer Byron Horton, who earned All-OAC second-team honors a year ago as a sophomore. Horton tallied seven goals in 2008.

Byron Horton led the Cards in scoring and ranked ninth in the OAC in goals per game a season ago.

“Harrison will anchor the defense, Auggie and Byron will give us strength in midfield, and Matt will add to our offensive capabilities,” explained D’Arcy.

Senior midfielder Andrew Beckett, brother of Matt, returns as well after playing in all 17 matches last season.

The program will be looking to get over the hump and achieve its first season of over .500 play for the first time since 2004. Over the past four seasons, the team has recorded an overall record of .500 three times to go along with a near even 20-22-3 record in OAC play.

“While I was pleased with the effort last season, we would hope to be a little stronger in the league this year,” said D’Arcy. “A tough non-conference schedule should prepare us well for this challenge.”

Between the posts, the squad returns both goalkeepers from a season ago in senior Dave Dziedzicki and sophomore Alex Kamphaus, Last fall, Dziedzicki (pronounced Ja-Jit-Ski) ranked fourth in the conference in goals-against average (1.03), save percentage (.810), and shutouts (4). Kamphaus made his first two career starts in the last two outings of the 2008 season, the second coming in the season finale when the team battled rival Capital to a 2-2 tie.

Junior defender Mike Townsend returns to assist a defense that allowed just 21 goals last season, the least of any team in the league. He played in 14 games with seven starts a year ago.

In addition to the upperclassmen leaders, the Cardinals bring back multiple underclassmen who obtained valuable experience a season ago. Sophomores Greg Atkinson, Kurt Gallant, Brandon Shepherd, Seth Holland, and Brett Rogan all appeared in 15 or more games last season.

Shepherd (16 starts), and Rogan (15 starts) were consistent members of the starting lineup in 2008 while Atkinson has ten career starts under his belt.

D’Arcy understands how crucial it will be to receive production from his second-year players.

“It will be very important,” he said. “Our sophomore group has had a year to acclimatize to the college game with many of them having played a lot as freshmen.”

With the help of some added new faces to combine with an already strong core, Otterbein has high hopes of returning to its winning ways in 2009.

Ensign, Fisher Selected to Academic All-Conference Team
Written Nov. 24, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO –Senior defender Dan Ensign (Westerville/South) and junior midfielder Auggie Fisher (Dublin/Jerome) have been named to the Academic All-OAC Team, the conference office announced last week.

Ensign, a three-year starter at defender, was named to the All-Academic First Team. This past season, he totaled four assists while starting all 17 games. A Physical Science Education major, he has made the Otterbein Dean’s List five times. Ensign was named to the Academic All-OAC Honorable Mention team in 2007.

Fisher, a two-year starter at midfielder, was selected to the All-Academic Honorable Mention Team. This fall, he recorded two goals and one assist to finish third on the team in points. A Computer Science major, he also started all 17 games this season and has appeared on the Otterbein Dean’s List six times.

Cards Place Two on All-Conference Team
Written Nov. 12, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein senior defender R.J. Lindquist (Worthington/Kilbourne) was named to the All-OAC first team and sophomore midfielder Byron Horton (Worthington/Thomas Worthington) was selected to the All-OAC second team, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Lindquist, a four-year letterwinner, has started 53 of his 63 career games. An honorable mention all-conference pick last season, Lindquist has scored one goal on the season that came off a penalty kick against Denison. He was a crucial member of a defensive unit that finished second in the OAC in both goals allowed (21) and goals against average (1.14). Otterbein also ranked fourth in the conference by posting five shutouts.  

Horton, a two-year letterwinner, led the Cardinals in scoring this season by tallying 14 points (seven goals). He ranked ninth in the conference in goals per game (0.41) and contributed two game-winning goals, one of which upset conference champion Ohio Northern in Ada.

The men’s soccer team finished in a five-way tie for fourth place in the OAC this season, but were left out of the conference tournament due to tie-break scenarios.

Click here to view all men's soccer awards for the Ohio Athletic Conference.
 

Cardinals Battle Crusaders to Tie
Written Oct. 31, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (7-7-3, 4-4-1 OAC) tied Capital (13-4-1, 7-1-1 OAC) by a score of 2-2 on Friday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

Otterbein’s Byron Horton put the Cardinals on the board first when he converted a header at the 12:51 mark of the opening half giving his team a 1-0 lead.

Capital responded when Josh Thaboune lofted a shot over the Otterbein goalie’s head to tie the game in the 23^rd minute.

Neither team scored the remainder of the half as the game went into intermission locked at 1-1.

Kevin Doran put the Crusaders ahead at 2-1 when he found the back of the net at the 55:45 mark of the second half.

With time winding down, freshman Brandon Shepherd chipped in a shot from the top of the box that bounced into the goal off the left post in the 87^th minute, locking the game up once again at 2-2.

Both teams fought hard in two aggressive overtime sessions, but neither team was able to muster a goal.

Capital held a 21-16 shot advantage and also held an 11-3 edge on corner kicks.

Otterbein freshman/goalkeeper Alex Kamphaus had nine saves while Capital goalies John Snyder and Justin Bultman combined for six.

The Cardinals will now wait and see if they will earn a spot in the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament, set to begin on Monday.
 

Ensign, Fisher Named to ESPN The Magazine Academic Team
Written Oct. 30, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Dan Ensign, a senior from Westerville (Westerville South High School), and Auggie Fisher, a junior from Dublin (Jerome High School)  were named to the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV second team as selected by the College Sports Information Director’s of America (CoSIDA), released today by CoSIDA.

Ensign, a three-year starter at defender, has totaled four assists in 2008 and is making his second appearance on the All-District IV team. He is majoring in Physical Science Education and has made the Otterbein Dean’s List five times.

Fisher, a two-year starter at midfielder, has tallied two goals and one assist on the season, ranking him third on the team in points. He is majoring in Computer Science and has appeared on the Otterbein Dean’s List six times.

Academic All-District IV team members are selected through voting by CoSIDA, a 2,000-member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. District IV encompasses the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Otterbein, 7-7-2 overall, currently sits 5th in the Ohio Athletic Conference and plays first place Capital tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.
 

Senior Captain Leads By Example
Written Oct. 28, 2008 by Adam Prescott

Otterbein College senior defender Dan Ensign (Westerville/South) has been named the Ohio Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Month for November.

In its 11th year of existence, the OAC Scholar-Athlete award honors an exceptional student-athlete on a monthly basis. Criteria for the award consists of the student-athlete being of sophomore, junior, or senior status, competition in a sport that is in-season, sportsmanlike conduct and carrying at least a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

Ensign, a physical science education major, currently holds a 3.63 cumulative grade-point average and clearly understands the responsibilities of being a student-athlete.

A soon-to-be four-year letterman, Ensign has developed into a natural leader within the Otterbein men’s soccer program. Defenders can often be overlooked in soccer due to a lack of statistics, but it would be foolish for one to not appreciate the effect this senior has had on his collegiate team. According to his head coach, Ensign has contributed much more than the four assists listed in the statistics section.

“Dan sets high personal standards and exemplifies what we want Otterbein soccer to be about,” said Cardinal Head Coach Gerry D’Arcy. “In addition to being one of the fittest players on the team, he is responsible, punctual, reliable and committed to whatever will help the team. In these and other ways he is a great example for the underclassmen.”

It’s those traits that led to Ensign being selected as team captain for the 2008 season. However, while he will admit it is a true honor to hold that title, he is quick to point out the importance of his peers.

“My upperclassmen teammates have all shown the characteristics of good leaders, and their additions to the program are just as valuable as mine,” he said. “The only difference is that my leadership comes with a name and a captain’s armband.”

One of those upperclassmen is leading scorer Matt Beckett, Ensign’s close friend and roommate. Beckett has witnessed on a first-hand basis the type of leader his teammate has become.

“Dan is a very hard-working and dedicated leader,” explained Beckett. “He puts a lot of effort into keeping the team together and getting everyone on the same page.”

Ensign knows one important attribute of being a leader is to set examples and pass on advice to younger players.

“I’ve told the newcomers that you truly reap what you sew. Hard work in the off-season really pays off,” said Ensign. “I also tell the freshman that don’t play often or don’t travel to be patient and not get discouraged because a time will come when they are called upon. Four years goes by a lot quicker than many imagine, so I always emphasize giving 100% in order to not have any regrets.”

However, it has not always been easy for the hometown kid. With his career beginning to wind down, Ensign expressed the special appreciation and love he has for the game of soccer and how it has helped him fight through adversity.

“There were a lot of negative experiences within my family when I was growing up,” he explained. “Playing soccer has served as a release for me because when I’m playing in a game, all of my cares in the world are lifted off my shoulders for an hour and a half. Sports were very necessary for me growing up, as they were a way for me to get my mind off things.”

Ensign, who pays for his college tuition himself by working as many as three jobs at times when he is not in soccer season, carries such a positive attitude that many of his companions would never begin to think he has encountered any struggles.

“He is very friendly and welcoming to anyone he meets,” said Beckett. “No one has ever succeeded by having a negative outlook, and Dan has always been optimistic.”

His coach of four years couldn’t agree more.

“Dan is a very classy individual who relates and works well with others,” D’Arcy said. “I know that his professors hold high opinions of his mature approach to being a college student-athlete. His positive demeanor and work ethic represents our program well. I am so proud to have Dan be a part of our program.”

The positive outlook Ensign carries has helped him earn spots on the Honorable Mention All-Conference team as well as the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District team in 2007.

“The adversity my family faced has taught me not to dwell on smaller matters, he said. “I have been taught what the most important things are and how they need to be taken care of. I’ve seen my older sister, who had some of the hardest times in my family, fight through her struggles and succeed to such a great extent. She has been a great role model for me and has taught me what hard work really is.”

Ensign plans to graduate this spring and pursue a career in teaching and coaching.

“My coaches have been such role models for me to the point that it has influenced me to want to do the same,” he stated. “I want to keep in the competition and give back to kids the way my coaches have done for me.”

Chances are Ensign won’t have a problem making a positive impact on the lives he comes in contact with.
 

Otterbein Drops Road Contest at Muskingum
Written Oct. 28, 2008 by Adam Prescott

NEW CONCORD, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (7-7-2, 4-4 OAC) fell to Muskingum (6-10-1, 3-4-1 OAC) by a score of 3-0 on Tuesday afternoon.

Ian Stipes put Muskingum ahead 1-0 at the 33:38 mark of the opening half when he he took a pass from Paul Lafyatis and scored. Less than one minute later, Muskingum extended the lead to 2-0 when Morgan Brown knocked in a header off a cross.

The game headed into the break with the Muskies holding a 2-0 advantage.

Stipes added another goal in the 73rd minute to give his team a 3-0 lead and their third conference victory.

Muskingum held a 16-12 edge on total shots while attempting four corner kicks compared to just one for Otterbein.

Freshman/goalkeeper Alex Kamphaus, making his first collegiate start, tallied two saves. Starting goalkeeper David Dziedzicki did not start due to injury but did play the last 13 minutes of the game. Muskie goalie Matthew Seas stopped four shots between the posts.

The Cardinals next return home to host cross-town rival Capital on Friday for senior day. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
 

Horton's Goal Pushes Cardinals Past Ohio Northern
Written Oct. 25, 2008 by Adam Prescott

ADA, OHIO – Otterbein (7-6-2, 4-3 OAC) upset Ohio Northern (13-4-1, 4-2-1 OAC) by a score of 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in Ada.

Otterbein sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton scored what would eventually be the game winning goal in the 24^th minute when he took a centered pass from teammate Auggie Fisher and found the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The game would head to halftime with the Cards holding a 1-0 advantage.

Ohio Northern was unable to convert any opportunities into scores in the second half as Otterbein preserved a 1-0 upset.

The Polar Bears held a 23-12 shot advantage and attempted 11 corner kicks compared to just two for the Cardinals.

Junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki tallied three saves for Otterbein before leaving the game with an injury. Freshman/keeper Alex Kamphaus had seven saves in the relief effort. Ohio Northern goalie Aaron Collins stopped three shots.

The Cards next travel to play Muskingum on Tuesday. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
 

Otterbein Falls to John Carroll
Written Oct. 22, 2008 by Adam Prescott

 WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (6-6-2, 3-3 OAC) was defeated by John Carroll (8-4-2, 4-1-1 OAC) by a score of 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

The visiting Blue Streaks scored when Scott McKinney found the back of the next at the 21:08 mark of the first half to give his team a 1-0 lead.

John Carroll would take a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Otterbein’s Matt Beckett took a pass from teammate Harrison Jones late in the second half and converted what was thought to be the game tying goal, but the score was negated by an offsides call.

Neither team scored the remainder of the way as John Carroll would preserve a 1-0 conference victory.

John Carroll held a 9-3 shot advantage while Otterbein held a 6-4 edge on corner kicks.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki had four saves while John Carroll goalie Matt DeMarchi did not have any.

The Cardinals next travel to play Ohio Northern on Saturday. Game time from Ada is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 

Cards Defeat Heidelberg in Double Overtime
Written Oct. 18, 2008 by Adam Prescott

TIFFIN, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (6-5-2, 3-2 OAC) defeated Heidelberg (5-8-2, 2-2-1 OAC) by a score of 2-1 in double overtime on Saturday evening in Tiffin.

Heidelberg struck first when Mike Harling scored in the 36th minute of the first half to give the Student Princes a 1-0 lead.

After intermission, junior/midfielder Auggie Fisher scored his second goal in as many games when he took a pass from teammate Kurt Gallant and found the back of the net.

Neither team was able to score the remainder of the half as the contest headed to overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime session, Gallant converted a header off a pass from senior/defender Dan Ensign to give the Cardinals a 2-1 conference victory.

Otterbein held a 12-10 shot advantage while taking six corner kicks compared to eight for Heidelberg.

Junior/goalie David Dziedzicki recorded three saves for Otterbein while Heidelberg keeper Brian Benson stopped six Cardinal shots.

Otterbein next returns home to host John Carroll on Wednesday. Starting time is set for 3:30 p.m.

Beckett's Late Goal Lifts Otterbein Past Mount Union
Written Oct. 14, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (5-5-2, 2-2 OAC) defeated Mount Union (6-7-1, 1-3 OAC) by a score of 2-1 on Tuesday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

The visiting Purple Raiders got on the board first when Andrew Coccia found the back of the next at the 21:47 mark to give his team a 1-0 lead.

An aggressive first half of play ended with neither team being able to convert any opportunities to score, as Mount Union took a 1-0 lead into the break.

Junior/midfielder Auggie Fisher then tied the game at 1-1 when he took a cross from teammate Andrew Beckett and headed it past the goalie for the score. The goal was Fisher’s first of the season and came in the 52nd minute.

The game looked to be heading to overtime until Beckett took a cross from senior captain Dan Ensign and headed it past a diving Purple Raider goalie for the game winner in the 87th minute. The combination of Ensign to Beckett was the same connection used to score the game winning goal that upset previously #7 Baldwin-Wallace on Saturday evening. This was also Ensign's third assist in as many games.

Mount Union held a 10-8 shot advantage while both teams took five corner kicks.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki and Raider goalie Bobby Petras both stopped two shots between the posts.

The Cardinals next travel to play Heidelberg on Saturday. Game time from Tiffin is set for 7 p.m.
 

Cardinals Stun #7 Baldwin-Wallace
Written Oct. 11, 2008 by Adam Prescott

BEREA, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (4-5-2, 0-3 OAC) pulled an upset of # 7 Baldwin Wallace (11-2-1, 1-2 OAC), by a score of 1-0 on Saturday evening in Berea.

Neither team was able to score in the first half as the game went into intermission locked at 0-0.

Both teams were unable to convert on any scoring opportunities in the second half as the contest headed into overtime.

Cardinal junior/forward Matthew Beckett then gave his team a 1-0 victory when he nailed a shot from ten yards out on the left side at the 1:07:53 mark of double overtime. The goal was assisted by senior/defender Dan Ensign.

The Yellow-Jackets held a 19-18 shot advantage while both teams attempted six corner kicks.

Cardinal junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki recorded ten saves while Yellow Jacket  goalie Russ Mika stopped seven shots.

Otterbein next returns to action on Tuesday, October 24 when they host Mount Union. Game time from Clements field is set for 4 p.m.
 

Otterbein Drops Road Contest at Marietta
Written Oct. 8, 2008 by Adam Prescott

MARIETTA, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (3-5-2, 0-2 OAC) lost to Marietta (6-2-3, 1-0-1 OAC), by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday.

Marietta grabbed an early 1-0 lead when Bradley Baweja converted a header in the eight minute. The Pioneers then extended their lead to 2-0 when Deric McDonald scored off a cross from teammate Jack Dunn at the 32:54 mark.

The Cardinals closed the gap to 2-1 when sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton took a pass from Dan Ensign and headed it past the goalie just four minutes before intermission.

The host Pioneers would take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Neither team was able to score in the second half of play as Marietta would preserve a 2-1 conference victory.

The Pioneers held a 16-9 shot advantage while Otterbein held a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.

Cardinal junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki recorded seven saves while Marietta goalie Steve Hagenau stopped three shots.

Otterbein next returns to action on Saturday when they travel to Berea, Ohio to play Baldwin-Wallace. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 

Cardinals Fall to Wilmington in Double Overtime
Written Oct. 4, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (3-4-2, 0-1 OAC) lost to Wilmington (8-3, 1-0 OAC) by a score of 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

Wilmington took an early 1-0 lead when Thomas Keane found the back of the net in the 29^th minute.

Neither team was able to convert any scoring opportunities the remainder of the half as the game headed into halftime with Wilmington leading 1-0.

Otterbein junior/forward Matthew Beckett then tied the contest at 1-1 when he scored off an assist from teammate Kurt Gallant at the 66:22 mark.

Neither team scored the remainder of the half as the game headed into overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime session, Quaker forward Anthony Montgomery gave his team a 2-1victory when he scored in the 103^rd minute.

Otterbein held an 18-12 shot advantage and attempted seven corner kicks compared to only four for Wilmington.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki stopped five shots while Wilmington keeper Aaron Slusher had eight saves.

The Cardinals next travel to play Marietta on Wednesday. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
 

Cardinals Defeat Oberlin
Written Oct. 1, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (3-3-2) defeated Oberlin (6-5) by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

The Cardinals took an early 1-0 lead when an Oberlin defender accidentally kicked the ball into his own net at the 21:11 mark of the opening half.

Neither team was able to convert any scoring opportunities the remainder of the half as the game headed into halftime with Otterbein leading 1-0.

Otterbein junior/forward Matthew Beckett extended the Cardinal lead to 2-0 at the 85:40 mark when he received a long pass from teammate Seth Holland and slipped it past the goalie.

The Yeomen responded just two minutes later when Luke Hoffman found the back of the net to cut the Cardinal lead in half at 2-1.

However, Otterbein was able to withstand the late rally and preserve a 2-1 victory.

Oberlin held a 10-9 shot advantage while attempting four corner kicks compared to only two for the Cardinals.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki stopped four shots while Oberlin goalie Zach Lipshultz recorded two saves.

The Cardinals next host Wilmington on Saturday, October 4. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 

Cardinals Play Denison to Tie
Written Sep. 24, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (2-3-2) battled Denison (3-3-2) to a 2-2 tie on Wednesday evening in Granville.

Otterbein grabbed an early 1-0 lead when senior/defender R.J. Lindquist scored on a penalty kick in the 13^th minute. Neither team scored the remainder of the half as the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton then took a tipped ball from teammate Alex Conti at the 56:29 mark of the second half and shot it passed a diving Denison goalie to extend then Cardinal lead to 2-0.

The Big Red responded, however, when Peter Shorten scored on a penalty kick at the 65:36 mark to cut the Otterbein lead in half at 2-1. Shorten then erased the deficit at tied the game at 2-2 when he converted a shot from the far corner in the 85^th minute.

Neither team scored the rest of the half or in either overtime period as the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

Otterbein held a 27-23 shot advantage while also attempting six corner kicks to Denison’s four.

Cardinal junior/keeper David Dziedzicki and Denison goalie Kevin Donahue each stopped seven shots.

Otterbein next returns home to host Oberlin on Wednesday, October 1. Game time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Cardinals Battle Washington and Jefferson to 0-0 Tie
Written Sep. 20, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OH – Otterbein men’s soccer team (2-3-1) fought Washington and Jefferson (PA) (2-3-2) to a 0-0 tie on Saturday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

Neither team was able to score in either half as the game went into overtime locked at 0-0. The Cardinals actually found the back of the net with just two minutes remaining in the second half, but the goal did not count after a foul was called on Otterbein.

Both teams battled aggressively in the extra sessions, but neither squad was able to convert any scoring opportunities as the game ended in a 0-0 tie.

The Cardinals held a 20-11 shot advantage and attempted 15 corner kicks compared to only six for the Presidents. There were also a combined 27 fouls called throughout the game.

Otterbein junior/goalie David Dziedzicki recorded four saves while Washington and Jefferson keeper Tyler Hodgins stopped eight shots.

The Cardinals next hit the road to play Denison on Wednesday. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Cards Fall to Ohio Wesleyan
Written Sep. 17, 2008 by Adam Prescott

DELAWARE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (2-3) lost to Ohio Wesleyan (6-1), by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday evening in Delaware.

Otterbein took an early 1-0 lead when sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton headed the ball into the back of the net off an assist from freshman/midfielder Greg Atkinson at the 13:31 mark of the opening half. This was Horton’s second goal in as many games.

Neither team scored the rest of the half as the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Bishops scored in the 79^th minute of play when Ryan Harmanis nailed a shot from the left side to even the score at 1-1. Matt Bonfini then scored the game-winner at the 85:53 mark to give the host team a 2-1 victory.

Ohio Wesleyan held a 15-4 shot advantage and also attempted six corner kicks compared to three for Otterbein.

Cardinal junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki stopped three shots while Bishop goalie Richard Ott tallied one save.

Otterbein next returns to action on Saturday as they host Washington & Jefferson (PA) in the second game of a men’s/women’s double-header. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Cards Defeat Fighting Scots
Written Sep. 8, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein (2-2) defeated the College of Wooster (1-3-1) by a score of 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville, Ohio.

Neither team was able to score in the first half as the game went into intermission locked at 0-0.

Otterbein sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton then put the Cardinals ahead 1-0 when he converted a header off of a corner kick at the 53:54 mark of the second half.

Neither team capitalized on any scoring opportunities the remainder of the game as Otterbein preserved a 1-0 victory.

The Cardinals held a 16-4 shot advantage and also attempted ten corner kicks to only one for Wooster.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki recorded three saves while Wooster goalies Taylor Takacs and Jordan O'Boyle combined for seven.

The Cardinals next travel to play Ohio Wesleyan on Wednesday, September 17. Game time from Delaware, Ohio is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Cards Fall To Host Kenyon On Day Two Of Kenyon Tournament
Written Sep. 6, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (1-2) lost to Kenyon (4-0) by a score of 3-0 Saturday in Gambier, Ohio.

Kenyon grabbed an early lead when Dan Toulson scored five minutes into the game, giving the host team a quick 1-0 lead. Reiner Bauerfeind then extended the Lords' lead to 2-0 when he found the back of the net at the 12:15 mark of the opening half. Kenyon took a 2-0 lead into intermission.

Kenyon’s Felix Hoffman added another goal in the opening minute of the second half to give his team a 3-0 lead. Otterbein was never able to capitalize on any scoring opportunities the rest of the way as Kenyon earned a 3-0 victory.

The Lords out-shot the Cardinals 19-12, and also attempted seven corner kicks compared to just one for Otterbein.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki finished with six saves while Kenyon keeper Jamie White tallied eight.

The Cardinals return home to host Wooster Wednesday. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Otterbein Victorious Over Urbana In Kenyon Tournament
Written Sep. 5, 2008 by Adam Prescott


WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein College (1-1) defeated Urbana University (0-3) by a score of 2-0 on Friday, September 5 in the opening game of the Kenyon Tournament in Gambier, Ohio.

Otterbein began the scoring towards the end of the opening half as junior/forward Matthew Beckett found the back of the net at the 42:30 mark. The Cardinals would take a 1-0 lead into intermission.

Otterbein held onto the lead for the entire second half, and added a second goal in the final minute at the 89:15 mark when sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton scored to make the final score 2-0. The goal was assisted by Beckett.

The Cardinals out-shot the Blue Knights 19-12 and also held a 5-2 corner kick advantage.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki tallied four saves while Urbana goalkeeper Micah Fisher had six saves.

The Cardinals next play host Kenyon tomorrow at 5:00 p.m.

Cards Drop Season Opener to Wittenberg
Written Aug. 30, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OH –Otterbein College’s men’s soccer team (0-1) lost to Wittenberg University (1-0) by a score of 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville, Ohio.

Neither team was able to muster a goal in the opening half of play as the game went into halftime locked at 0-0.

Wittenberg’s Jimmy Thinnes found the back of the net at the 52:44 mark of the second half to put his team ahead 1-0. Otterbein was never able to even the contest en route to a 1-0 defeat.

The Tigers held a 17-11 shot advantage while also holding a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.

Three Earn Academic All-OAC Honors
Written Nov. 20, 2007 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Three members of the 2007 Otterbein men’s soccer team were selected to Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) teams, the OAC released today.

Defender/midfielder John-Mark Mocas, a senior from Bellbrook, and defender Adam Warner, a senior from Greenville, were named to the first team.

Mocas, majoring in physical education/health education, has made the Otterbein Dean’s List six times. He was also an honorable mention All-OAC selection this season.

Warner, a broadcasting and journalism major, was also selected honorable mention All-OAC in 2007. He has made the dean’s list three times.

Ensign Earns Academic Honors
Written Nov. 1, 2007 by Ed Syguda

Dan Ensign celebrates after a goal against Muskingum.

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Dan Ensign, a junior from Westerville (Westerville South High School), was named to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV first team as selected by the College Sports Information Director’s of America (CoSIDA), released today by CoSIDA.

He is now eligible for Academic All-America consideration.

Ensign, a two-year starter at defender, scored one goal in 2007, which came in a 2-1 win over Muskingum in the final game of the season.

He is majoring in Physical Science and has made the Otterbein Dean’s List five times.

Academic All-District IV team members are selected through voting by CoSIDA, a 2,000-member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. District IV encompasses the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Cards to Host Muskingum
Written Oct. 25, 2007 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein, seeking to shake off its scoring slump, closes out regular-season play Saturday, hosting Muskingum at 2 p.m. on Clements Field.

“We’ve been competitive in every game,” said Otterbein head coach Gerry D’Arcy, “but haven’t been able to turn the corner in terms of scoring goals. It’s not any individual, it’s a team.”

The Cardinals, 6-10-0 overall, sit eighth in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) at 3-5-0 and have a chance to make the OAC Tournament, which is scheduled to begin Monday. The tournament was expanded from four to six teams this season, with the top two seeds receiving first-round byes.

“We’re not in a position where we can take care of our own destiny, but anything can still happen,” D’Arcy said about his team’s chances of getting into the post-season tournament.

Of Otterbein’s five conference losses this season, three have come by one goal, and a fourth by two goals.

“Our players have done the best that they can this season,” D’Arcy said. “We’ve gone from being an easy rollover to a very competitive team.”

Otterbein heads into the weekend off a 1-0 loss to Heidelberg at home Wednesday. The Berg scored in the 15th minute and held on for the win despite a flurry of shots in the second half from Otterbein. The Cardinals out-shot Heidelberg, 17-6, in the second period.

Defender John-Mark Mocas, a senior from Bellbrook, who moved up to midfield in this game, and midfielder/forward Patrick Shick, a senior from Powell (Olentangy High School), combined for 11 shots against Heidelberg.

Otterbein heads into Saturday’s game with Muskingum (4-13-0, 0-8-0) with nine points in OAC play and needs to leapfrog over Marietta, 10 points, and Wilmington, 10 points, to gain a berth in the OAC Tournament.

Senior John-Mark Mocas (Bellbrook) scored the game’s lone goal nine minutes into the game.

The Cardinals were out-shot by the Pioneers, 20-7, but only three of Marietta’s shots were on-goal. 

With the win, Otterbein has defeated Marietta five straight times, including four games decided by one goal.  Marietta’s last win against Otterbein was a 1-0 decision in 2002.

Cards Host Marietta to Open OAC Play
Written Sept. 27, 2007 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein, having closed out the non-conference portion of its schedule, begins Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play with Marietta, 2:30 p.m., Saturday at home on Clements Field.

“We’ve played as tough a non-conference schedule as we’ve ever played and, certainly, will be prepared for conference play because of that,” said head coach Gerry D’Arcy, who is in his 19th season with the Cardinals.

Otterbein comes into the match 3-6-0 overall, dropping a 3-2 decision to Denison Wednesday at home.

“The biggest thing we are working on now is to eliminate some of the problems that we have had early in games, and also to play hard,” D’Arcy said. “We are working on playing as hard as we can, playing aggressively.”

Forward Drew Pitzer, a senior from Worthington (Thomas Worthington), leads the Cardinals in scoring with four goals and four assists. Midfielder Jordan Gonzales, a senior from Worthington (Thomas Worthington), has scored three goals.

Marietta enters the match 4-3-1 overall, losing 2-1 in overtime at Walsh last Tuesday.

Last season, Otterbein finished seventh in the OAC with a 3-5-1 record. Marietta finished last at 0-9-0.

Following Marietta, Otterbein travels to Wilmington (4-5-0) Tuesday for a match beginning at 7 p.m.

“We are very much a work in progress,” D’Arcy said. “Once we settled our system of play this past weekend, we seemed to improve.

“A lot of people are contributing,” D’Arcy added. “The team is evolving right now. It’s not set in stone.”

Forward Drew Pitzer, a senior from Worthington, scored six points in the tournament, tallying two goals and two assists.

Pitzer scored the tying goal and assisted on the game-winning goal from midfielder/forward Patrick Shick, a senior from Powell, in the 74th minute in the win over Goshen. Against Tri-State, he scored the first goal 18 minutes into the match and assisted the game-winner from midfielder/forward Matt Beckett, a sophomore from Sunbury, in the 85th minute.

Otterbein remains on the road, traveling to Wooster Thursday for a match scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

WESTERVILLE, OHIO--The Otterbein men’s soccer team handed out its team honors at an awards ceremony held Feb. 4 on the campus of Otterbein College.

The Cardinals finished the season 8-8-1 and 3-5-1 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), landing them in seventh place in the conference.  Of the eight losses, five of them came by one goal.

A list of special award winners follows:

Junior forward Drew Pitzer (Worthingtion/Thomas Worthington High School) was named the team’s most valuable offensive player. Pitzer led the team with 48 shots, six goals, four game-winnings goals, and was tied for first with 12 points. Pitzer tied for fourth in the league in game-winning goals and garnered second team All-OAC honors.

Junior defender John-Mark Mocas (Bellbrook) was named the team’s co-most valuable defensive player. Mocas scored three goals this season and anchored a defense that posted five shutouts on the year. He was also named OAC Co-Defender of the Year and first team All-OAC.

Junior goalkeeper Jordan Guhl (Gahanna/Lincoln) was named the team’s co-most valuable defensive player. Guhl posted a 1.57 goals-against average and made a league-leading 103 saves. He was also third in the conference with five shutouts.

Junior midfielder Patrick Shick (Powell/Olentangy) was named the team’s most improved player. Shick was second on the team in goals with five and tied for first in points (12).

Senior midfielder Kurt Marks (Canal Winchester) received the coaches’ award, an award specifically handed out by the coaches for a player’s accomplishments and efforts reflecting the spirit of the team. Marks started all 17 games this year and notched one assist. He was also named to the Academic All-OAC team.  Marks ends his collegiate career with three goals, five assists and 11 points.

Twenty-four Otterbein players were awarded letters at the banquet. The complete list follows:

Four-year lettermen:  Senior midfielder Aaron Hickman (Westerville/Olentangy).

Three-year lettermen:  Marks, junior midfielder Adam Warner (Greenville), Pitzer, junior midfielder Jordan Gonzales (Worthington/Thomas Worthington), junior defender Ryan Studer (Reynoldsburg), Mocas, junior defender Kevin Stahr (Columbus/DeSales) and Guhl.

Two-year lettermen:  Junior midfielder Adam Boals (Mansfield/St. Peters), senior midfielder Aaron Lahman (Pemberville/Eastwood), Shick, sophomore defender Daniel Ensign (Westerville/South), sophomore defender R.J. Lindquist (Worthington/Kilbourne), sophomore midfielder Matt Weiss (Worthington/Kilbourne) and senior midfielder Dustin Wilshire (Ashville/Teays Valley).

First-year lettermen:  Junior forward Ian Doherty (Westerville/St. Francis DeSales), freshman forward Cody DiLauro (Broadview Heights/Independence), junior midfielder Andrew Beckett (Sunbury/Big Walnut), freshman midfielder Matt Beckett (Sunbury/Big Walnut), freshman midfielder Auggie Fisher (Dublin/Jerome), freshman forward Michael Mayo (Columbus/Tree of Life Christian), freshman defender Ephraim Medaugh (Corning/Bishop Rosecrans) and sophomore midfielder Jonathan Herr (Groveport/Madison).

Three Earn All-OAC Honors; Mocas Named Co-Defender of the Year
Written Nov. 10, 2006 by Jason Miller

WESTERVILLE, OHIO--Three Otterbein College men’s soccer players were named All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and defender John-Mark Mocas was named OAC Co-Defender of the Year, the OAC released today.

Mocas, a junior from Bellbrook, led a Cardinal defense that registered five shutouts this season. He is third on the team in points (7) and goals (3) and second on the team in game-winning goals (2).

Forward Drew Pitzer, a junior from Worthington (Thomas Worthington High School), earned second team All-OAC honors.  Pitzer led the team in goals (6) and game-winning goals (4) and was tied for first on the team in scoring with 12 points.  He was also tied for fourth in the league in game-winning goals.