BOX SCORE

TIFFIN – It was getting late in the match and both defenses were holding strong in a 0-0 tie, but then the Student Princes finally broke through. In the 84th minute, Heidelberg found a gap in the Otterbein defense, leading to a go-ahead goal and eventually a win in the OAC opener for both the Student Princes and the Cardinals.

The first half was a stalemate throughout, despite Heidelberg holding the edge in shots 11-6. Kyle Simpson picked up a yellow card in the 25th minute, but neither team was able to capitalize on opportunities.

It was much of the same in the second half, with Otterbein (7-4, 0-1 OAC) getting four corner kicks to none for the Student Princes, but things held steady until late in the match. With less than seven minutes left in regulation, Kurt Wilhelm found a hole in the Cardinals' defense and passed to Ryan Homoki, who found the back of the net for the game-winning goal.

Heidelberg out-shot Otterbein in the match 20-11 with Chris Koczak and Wilhelm leading the way, tallying four apiece. Fouls were almost even in the match, with the 'Berg getting called for 15 while the Cardinals were whistled for 12, with both teams receiving one yellow card.

Matthew Stevens only had two saves in the match, but they were crucial in him picking up his third clean sheet of the season.

With the win, Heidelberg improved to 5-4-2, including a 1-0 mark in Ohio Athletic Conference play. The Student Princes will be back on the pitch on Wednesday, October 8, when they take to the road to face Baldwin Wallace. That game is set to begin at 7:00 p.m.