LEXINGTON - The Transylvania men's soccer team (1-2-1) was in action this weekend as they took on Otterbein University (1-1-2). Transylvania is coming off a road trip tie in Springfield OH, after facing Wittenberg University before coming home to play two home games before starting conference play. Otterbein comes into this game after playing fellow Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) school, Franklin College defeating them 4-1. Otterbein also played #11 Washington and Lee the game before Franklin, tying them 3-3, adding to the difficult and quality opponents to prepare for HCAC play.

The First Half

In the first half Transy would keep pace with Otterbein as they found themselves in yet another physical match. In just the first half Otterbein committed 6 fouls while both teams stayed clean in the card category this half. Transy would match shots with Otterbein as they would get off 6, while Transy had 5 shot attempts. Otterbein was able to connect on two of these shots, scoring in the 9th minute, followed by the second of the half in the 20th minute. The Pioneers and Otterbein matched in saves, with 3 a piece this half, as Jackson Holt remains the starting goalkeeper, as he makes his second start. This game would go into halftime 0-2.

The Second Half

In the second half the intensity ramped up but fighting the deficit would remain an immense task. Leo Bill who would come off the bench this game was an instant energy play as he would finish with 2 shots on the day, but what was more impressive would be the urgency he seemed to instill in his teammates. Transy attempted 3 corner kicks to Otterbein's 1 this half, however Transy couldn't connect this whole game remaining with no goals. Otterbein would apply some late pressure which caused our defense to get caught out of position as Otterbein would score their third goal of the game off a Transylvania defenders miss kick redirecting into our own goal. This game would end 0-3.

Up next for the Pioneers is their last home game before getting into conference play as Asbury University comes to Pat Deacon Stadium Tuesday September 19th at 7PM. 

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics please check our website at www.transysports.com and follow Transy Sports on Twitter and Instagram @TransySports