Men’s Soccer stretches win streak to four with 2-0 victory over Hanover (Ind.)

By Bud Denega

ADA — The winning streak continues. The Ohio Northern men's soccer team made it four victories in a row Wednesday night, downing Hanover (Ind.) 2-0 at Kerscher Stadium behind a pair of second half goals.

"We take a lot of pride in getting shut outs," interim head coach Chris Matejka said. "Team defense is a big part of what we do. It feels good to get four, and we just want to keep it going."

A big part of that team defense is sophomore goaltender John Lombardo (Solon). He logged two saves Wednesday to earn his fifth shut out of the season and fourth in a row. It has been four years since ONU has shut out four straight opponents. 

"John commands his area," Matejka said. "He has a very good physical presence about him, and that certainly helps us in the back." 

Offensively, a pair of sophomores boasted goals for the Polar Bears. Midfielder Levi King (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central) and forward Seth Gundlach (Wilmington) netted the goals for Northern. 

King registered the game's first goal. After a scoreless first half, the Panthers were whistled for a foul inside the penalty area in the 49th minute. King stepped up to take the penalty shot and after Hanover goaltender Aaron Stockdale made the initial save, King quickly put the rebound back on frame for his third goal of the season. 

Gundlach gave Northern some breathing room in the 61st minute. He fired his shot in from left of frame that bested Stockdale — who ended the contest with a pair of saves, as well. Daunte George (Bellefontaine) and Jimmy Walkinshaw (Plymouth, Mich./Canton) assisted on the score. 

The Polar Bears (5-2-1) remain in Ada and host Rose-Hulman (Ind.) Saturday at 7 p.m.