Ohio Northern University Men's Soccer

ONU Men's Soccer Blog has moved!

2011-08-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

ONU Soccer Family,

Thanks for visiting the blog and being a supporter of the program. We wanted to let everyone know that we have moved the "blog" content to a new Facebook page for ONU Men's Soccer. You can use the direct link www.facebook.com/ONUSoccer to find us.

The new format will allow us to share all the same content as before - but to do some cool new things as well. If you visit the page and become a fan, by clicking the "like" button, you will get automatic updates in your Facebook news feed. We will be able to post photos and video more quickly, as well as provide brief status updates throughout the season (in game score updates, travel updates, etc.). We hope it will give our supporters a better backstage pass to ONU Men's Soccer than we have ever offered before.

Be sure to check out the new content, and "like" the page to follow our 2011 progress.

Go Bears!

D.U.E.

OAC Champions Honored at Halftime

2011-01-31T16:09:00.001-08:00

The team was honored at the halftime of the Men's Basketball Game:

2011 Schedule Announced

2011-01-24T08:21:00.000-08:00

The 2011 schedule has been posted and is pretty close to being finalized. Game days are all correct, but game times could be subject to change (away games).

Highlighting this year's schedule are games against four NCAA Tournament teams from last season: Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Ohio Wesleyan, Thomas More and Transylvania.

The season opens with a non conference game at Franklin (IN), and then the team will travel to North Carolina Wesleyan to take on the host school as well as Wisconsin-Oshkosh who played in the 2010 Final Four.

The OAC schedule will once again be a test and it opens at home with a contest vs. Muskingum on September 24.

The full schedule can be found on the left side of this page.

2010 Awards Celebration date announced

2010-11-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Awards Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 4 at 1:00pm in the Ballroom of McIntosh Center.

We will celebrate the 2010 OAC Championship season as well as honor our 2010 seniors and their accomplishments and thank them for everything they have done for the program.

All family, alumni, and supporters of ONU Men's Soccer are invited!

If you would like to attend this special event, please contact the Men's Soccer office by emailing Head Coach Brent Ridenour at b-ridenour@onu.edu.

Seven Bears Named All-OAC

2010-11-27T07:58:00.000-08:00

The Polar Bears were recognized for their Championship season by having seven players named to the All-OAC teams.

Nate Bascom, Christian Huelsman, Cameron Johnson, and Austin Windsor were named to the All-OAC first team. Mac Church and Chris Matejka were selected to the 2nd team and Abrim Mueller was named to the Honorable Mention team.

2010 Season Ends in NCAA First Round

2010-11-27T07:49:00.001-08:00

The Polar Bears traveled to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI to take on the 2009 NCAA Division 3 Runners-Up in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.

Unfortunately for the Bears, they were shut out for only the 2nd time this season. The Knights from Calvin were able to score twice in route to a 2-0 victory.

The loss marked the last game for the 2010 seniors (Brendan Crowley, Mark Mazzone, Chaz McCullah, and Dan Otanicar). They end their careers with the most wins in ONU history (66), 3 OAC Championships and 3 NCAA Tournament appearances (including a trip to the 2008 NCAA Elite 8).

OAC Champs!

2010-11-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

The Polar Bears avenged a regular season loss to OAC rival Heidelberg by taking the OAC tournament title in Tiffin on Saturday night. Through 90 minutes of regular time and the first overtime the score was knotted at 2-2. ONU was able to celebrate it's conference championship just moments into the second overtime period however, after a stellar run from Senior captain Brendan Crowley resulted in a shot that stretched Heidelberg Goalkeeper Ryan Smith. The initial save fell to the feet of Junior forward Christian Huelsman, who slotted home the game winner.

The win grants ONU the automatic qualifier for the NCAA tournament, and will mark the program's fourth tournament appearance in the last 5 seasons.

Sophomore midfielder Cameron Johnson opened the scoring in the contest with a headed restart goal in the 12th minute. The service came from Junior midfielder Cory Dobkins. Heidelberg would answer late in the first half and then take a 2-1 lead early in the second 45, but Junior forward Greg Stawicki found a way to put a ball on frame and even the contest in the 85th minute. The goal was Stawicki's third in ONU's 2 OAC tournament games.

Several notable milestones were achieved in the process of capturing the OAC crown. With the win, the Senior class becomes the winningest class in ONU history with 66 total wins, and extends their lead for the most OAC wins in the history of the program with 27 for their career. Huelsman's game winning goal moves him into sole possession of second place all time on the ONU career goals list with 43.

Watch for updates re: ONU's upcoming NCAA tournament schedule.

Game highlights and postgame celebrations:

ONU honors its Seniors with a 5-0 win over Marietta

2010-10-31T22:34:00.000-07:00

The ONU men celebrated Senior Day in style Saturday, getting back to their winning ways over the visiting Pioneers of Marietta.

The 5-0 win was the last regular season contest for 3 ONU players. Congratulations to Senior co-captains Brendan Crowley and Mark Mazzone and to Senior Chaz McCullah on their fine careers and accomplishments in the program. As a class the 3 have 63 total wins, the 2nd most in ONU history. McCullah will graduate as the most capped soccer player in ONU history, as of Saturday he has played in 91 career games (and counting).

The win, coupled with Heidelberg's Saturday night win over Wilmington - puts the Bears in the #2 seed for the upcoming OAC tournament. On Thursday 11/4 ONU will play host to the winner of a Tuesday contest between #3 seed Capital and #6 seed Baldwin Wallace.

Senior day highlights and interviews:

Bears stumble at Heidelberg

2010-10-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Polar Bears dropped their first OAC contest of the season on Wednesday night at Heidelberg by a final score of 3-1.

Heidelberg and ONU entered the contest as the only unbeaten teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference. The loss ends ONU's record setting 22 game unbeaten streak in OAC regular season play, which dates back almost precisely 2 years to a 10/28/2008 loss at Wilmington.

The Bears will face Marietta on Saturday.

ONU records 5-1 victory over JCU on Parent's Day

2010-10-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

On a day set aside to honor the parents of the Ohio Northern Soccer family, the home crowd was given plenty to appreciate on the field as well, as the Polar Bears scored 3 unaswered first half goals en route to a 5-1 victory over visiting John Carroll University.

ONU goals came from Cameron Johnson, Dan Otanicar, Cory Dobkins and Brendan Crowley.

The win sets up a clash with OAC rival Heidelberg on Wednesday, who are also unbeaten on their 2010 OAC campaign. An ONU win would secure the OAC regular season title, as well as a #1 seed and first round bye in the OAC tournament. Wednesday's contest kicks off at 7pm in Tiffin.

The Bears would like to thank all of the families of our players and staff who supported us - not only on Saturday - but as they stand behind everything we do in the program.

Bears shut out Quakers 2-0

2010-10-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

The Polar Bear men traveled to Wilmington Tuesday night and despite being reduced to 10 men just 40 minutes into the contest were able to secure a 2-0 victory and remain unbeaten in OAC play.

With ONU leading 1-0 and holding a 14-6 first half edge in shots, the tempo of the game changed in the 41st minute when a second yellow card was shown to defender Austin Windsor for what the official deemed to be an intentional hand ball.

Northern's team defense was able to manage the Quaker's man advantage throughout the second half - allowing only 8 more shots, 2 on goal which elicited saves from Mac Church.

ONU goals came from the sophomore midfield duo affectionately known within the program as "Camtejka". Chris Matejka finished a rebound into the upper 90 to open the scoring in the 16th minute, and Cameron Johnson closed the door on any Wilmington comeback with another second chance opportunity in the 81st.

Interview with "Camtejka" below!

Cameron Johnson goal leads Bears to 1-1 draw at BW

2010-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

The ONU Men traveled to Berea on Saturday for an OAC clash with Baldwin-Wallace College and came away with a 1-1 draw.

Sophomore Cameron Johnson scored his ninth goal of the season for Northern. A 58th minute through ball from Senior Chaz McCullah found his feet and Johnson's first touch beat 2 recovering BW defenders. What followed was a clinical left footed strike that made the game 1-0.

The Yellow Jackets responded in the 79th minute with an unassisted goal from just outside the 18.

ONU now sits at 12-3-1 overall, 4-0-1 in OAC play, and are tied for the conference lead with Heidelberg.

The Bears return to action Tuesday night at Wilmington with a 7pm kick.

Highlights below include several fine saves from Mac Church and the Polar Bear back 4, as well as the Johnson goal.

Bears Rip visiting Otterbein Cardinals 7-0

2010-10-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

The ONU men gave Otterbein College a rough welcome to Ada on Wednesday afternoon, beating the visiting Cardinals by a final tally of 7-0.

While Otterbien entered the contest 2-10 overall, they were coming off a 2-0 win over OAC rival Baldwin-Wallace, and had conceded just 18 goals on the season prior to Wednesday's offensive onslaught.

ONU goal scorers included Christian Huelsman with 2 on the day, Chris Matejka, Nate Bascom, Robert Sellers, Cameron Johnson and Mark Mazzone. Huelsman (2), Bascom (2), Greg Stawicki (2), Matejka, Mazzone and Matt Fleming all had assists.

The Polar Bears improve to 12-3 overall, 4-0 in OAC play, and now stand alone atop the OAC leader board.

Northern travels to Berea Saturday for a 7 p.m. contest with Baldwin-Wallace.

Highlights from the game:

Polar Bears 4, Crusaders 0. 3-0 OAC

2010-10-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

The ONU men traveled to Bexley on Saturday to face a Capital team that entered the contest 8-3, 1-1 in the OAC. Despite stretches of possession that favored either side - and having to defend several strong opportunities from Capital, the Polar Bears both preserved the shutout and found ways to finish in the final third, coming away 4-0 victors.

Sophomore Nate Bascom returned to the ONU starting 11 and made his presence felt early and often among the Crusader back line, tallying in the 27th and 51st for his 2nd and third goals of the season. Freshman Matt Fleming and Sophomore Cameron Johnson assisted on the Bascom goals.

The other 2 Polar Bear scoring strikes came from Sophomore Chris Matejka (assist from Chaz McCullah) and Dan Otanicar.

90 minutes of team defense preserved the ONU shutout - including another special performance from Sophomore goalkeeper Mac Church. Church turned away 11 Crusader efforts, including saving a late first half penalty kick.

The Dobkins family welcomed the team into their home for a post game meal following the victory - special thanks to the Dobkins' and all the parents and supporters of the program who have been so gracious in taking care of the guys after our matches this fall.

The Bears return to action Wednesday, hosting a 4 p.m. contest with Otterbein.

1-0 Win over Mount Union, Bears are 2-0 OAC

2010-10-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

In their OAC home opener Saturday, the ONU men controlled the run of play, out shooting the visiting Mount Union Purple Raiders 24-8, and earning 10 corner kicks to UMU's 3. However despite quality chances for ONU as well as several strong counterattacking opportunities for Mount - excellent team defense and timely goalkeeping for both teams had the contest knotted at 0-0 and looking like overtime would be necessary.

Sophomore Cameron Johnson would prevent that overtime late in the contest with his 7th goal of the season and 2nd game winner.

In the 87th minute a deflected Poal Bear shot was sailing out of play high far post -but an excellent effort by Senior forward Dan Otanicar to head the ball back across the face of goal kept the chance alive. UMU keeper Jon Critell saved an initial redirect effort from Christian Huelsman, but Cameron Johnson was able to head home the rebound for the decisive goal.

The Polar Bear JV travels to Ohio Wesleyan Monday and hosts NAIA opponent Rio Grande on Thursday. The Varsity squad returns to action next Saturday at Capital.

2 midweek wins - OAC home opener Saturday!

2010-09-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

The Polar Bears faced a difficult schedule this week - with back to back Tuesday and Wednesday games at home against Manchester and at Defiance. Despite the lack of rest and the tough test provided by both opponents, the guys managed to go 2-0, improving their overall record to 9-3, 1-0 OAC. A 4-1 win over Manchester Tuesday was followed by a 3-2 victory at Defiance yesterday.

The 7 ONU goals in the two games were scored by 7 different Polar Bear players.

Training began again in earnest on Thursday - with 2 sessions to prepare for Saturday's OAC home opener against Mount Union. At the end of a very solid practice, the guys wound down with some old school World Cup. Highlights (lowlights?) are below!

3-1, 1-0, 164

2010-09-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Polar Bears opened their OAC season on Saturday with an away contest at Muskingum and came away victorius by a margin of 3-1.

ONU opened the scoring after a ball from Cory Dobkins split two defenders and found the feet of Sophomore Chris Matejka. Matejka turned and drove at the Muskie backline off the dribble - finishing with a surgical strike from just outside the 18 that found the side netting.

A late first half foul from Muskingum proved costly - as the Bears converted a long free kick into a second goal via driven service from Austin Windsor, a flick-on from Dustin Connor and a composed high near post finish from Chistian Huelsman.

A goal from Muskingum injected some second half energy into the contest before Huelsman added another in the 85th minute off an assist from Dan Otanicar to make it 3-1.

3-1 win, 1-0 in the OAC and ONU record setting career win #164 for Coach Ridenour!

Bishops find last minute victory in 109 minute chess match

2010-09-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

ONU's 6 game winning streak ended on Wednesday night in Deleware - when host Ohio Wesleyan (#16) managed to find the game's only goal with just 1:01 remaining in the second overtime.

Both teams had chances to finish the match late in regulation and during each extra time period. The loss was the first overtime game of the year for ONU - and Wesleyan's second straight 1-0 overtime victory.

While the sting of playing 109 minutes of inspired soccer only to concede with 61 seconds remaining was evident post-game, the guys were able to quickly change focus toward this weekend's OAC opener at Muskingum.

Watch for an update after the contest with the Fighting Muskies on Saturday.

OAC-MIAA Shootout Champs!

2010-09-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

For the second weekend in a row, the Polar Bears took to the field with intentions of raising a tournament trophy - and after recording their fifth and sixth consecutive wins, the ONU men walked away as OAC/MIAA Shootout champions. The tournament victory marked the sixth time the Bears have won the event in nine years.

After dispatching a quality Albion team 4-1 on Friday, the boys met perennial MIAA powerhouse Hope - who were unbeaten on the season - in Saturday's match to determine the champion. A goal from Chaz McCullah midway through the first half put the bears in front - and despite both some late 2nd half pressure and some vigorous chanting from the visitors, the Bears made 1-0 stick with excellent 90 minute team defense. Mac Church had several tremendous saves in preserving the shutout.

The guys will be back to work on Monday - with 2 training sessions to prepare for Wednesday night's clash with Ohio Wesleyan in Deleware.

Mac Church explains why opposing PK takers haven't got a prayer:

Highlights from the weekend:

Shutout at Wittenberg

2010-09-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

The Polar Bears just walked off the field here at Wittenberg University with a 2-0 result on the board in favor of the bears. First half goals from Juniors Cory Dobkins and Greg Stawicki gave the bears enough to pull away from Wittenberg tonight. This shutout is the second consecutive shutout for the team and keeper, Mac Church.
More to come tomorrow.

ONU Invitational Champions

2010-09-14T08:09:00.001-07:00

The team got its first shutout and completed one of its season goals this weekend by winning the ONU Invitational hosted at Ohio Northern University. An 8-1 victory Friday against Hanover (Ind.) had the boys excited to play in the championship game on saturday against a Case Western Reserve that beat the bears last season. With last years game in mind and a trophy on the line the bears came out and picked up right where they left off, with Cameron Johnson scoring both of the goals in the 2-0 shutout victory.

After lifting the trophy we caught up with sophomore Cameron Johnson:

The team plays again tonight with their first night game of the season under the lights at Wittenberg University.

0-2

2010-09-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

After the weekend in Columbus the team returned to Ada last night with a record of 0-2. After a loss Saturday to a strong and experienced Kenyon team, the polar bears were optimistic about their chances in Sunday's affair against Denison.

After a Nate Bascom goal in the first half the scoreboard read ONU 1 DENISON 0 at halftime, but three second half goals from The Big Red created a challenge to great for the bears. ONU finished the game with chances but ultimately the end result was 3-2.

With a current GAA(Goals Against Average) of 2.5 goals per game the bears have a lot to focus on this upcoming week- more specifically, team defense.

The video below is Cory Dobkins before the Denison game on sunday.

Last Day Of Preseason!

2010-09-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the final day of preseason and later today we have our first game of the 2010 season. With a tough opponents Kenyon and Denison coming up this weekend the team is ready to play somebody other than themselves. The buzz of anticipation around the locker room is growing as the hours until game time slowly tick away. Denison and Kenyon finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in their conference last season and will be a good early test for the polar bears.
Mac Church and Mike Grossnickle give leave us with some thoughts before today's game:

2010 Alumni Weekend a Success

2010-08-28T19:02:00.001-07:00

THANK YOU to everyone for making the 2010 Alumni Weekend a huge success!!

The weekend started on Friday evening as the ONU team played an intrasquad scrimmage, followed by the 2010 Team playing the ONU Alumni (the ONU team won 3-1), and that was followed by a very entertaining (meaning = not much defense) alumni vs. alumni game that ended in a 2-2 tie.

On Saturday, the weekend continued with a golf outing organized by the ONU Men's Soccer Alumni. Over 110 alumni, friends, and family took teed it up for a great cause. The Trosper team slightly edged out the Thigpen/Bade team for the victory, but no matter the score, everyone had a great time!

Continue to check the blog this week as we prepare for our first weekend of games!

Here are some videos of the 2010 Alumni Weekend:

2010 Preseason - Week 1

2010-08-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

Preseason to our 2010 season started offcially last week sunday when all players arrived in Ada and got settled into their permanent rooms. We started the week with testing in three categories- athletic, soccer skill, and fitness. As the preseason is in full swing many of the players are excited to be back in the states and playing with the new first years. With the largest freshman soccer class in ONU soccer history the buzz around the training field is growing with each session. We end today's post with a post training interview with senior captians Mark Mazzone and Brendan Crowley

Off to Europe

2010-08-07T14:40:00.001-07:00

Follow your ONU Men's Soccer team on their trip to Europe (August 5-15). Daily blogs and videos will be posted at: http://onusoccertravel.blogspot.com/

2010 Schedule Announced

2010-04-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

Once again, the ONU Men's Soccer team will be playing a very difficult schedule. Highligting the non conference schedule are 3 away games vs. the top 3 teams from the North Coast Conference in 2009 (Kenyon, Denison and Ohio Wesleyan). As well as games vs 2nd and 3rd place from the MIAA in 2009 (Hope and Albion). Plus, the Polar Bears will be facing another year of deep and talented teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference. See the 2010 schedule to the left of the main page.

2010 Futsal Dates Announced

2009-12-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

The dates for the 2010 Ohio Northern University High School Futsal Tournament have been announced. Once again, we will be hosting two seperate events. The first tournament day will be on Saturday, February 27, while the second tournament day will be on Sunday, February 28.

Once again, there will be two divsions each day.

More information will be posted at http://onufutsal.blogspot.com/. Please email Brent Ridenour at b-ridenour@onu.edu to reserve your spot today. Spots are limited and go quickly.

Thank you to everyone for another great season!

2009-11-21T07:09:00.000-08:00

From Coach Ridenour:

Hi everyone, I just want to thank everyone for all of your support this season! Our fans, our friends, our family, our alumni, are all extremely important to our success, and we couldn't do what we do without your support.

2009 was another amazing season for ONU Men's Soccer. This season was the first ever to see an ONU team go undefeated in the OAC (8-0-1, 10-0-2 if you include the tournament games)! It was the first time in history we made back-to-back OAC finals and back-to-back NCAA Tournaments. We were honored with a record EIGHT players making All-OAC. We had 3 players named OAC Player of the Week. And, our senior captain, Dan Schade became the 8th player in ONU history to be named OAC Player of the Year as he earned the honor as being named the OAC Defender of the Year. (ONU has had 3 of the last 4 OAC Defenders of the Year).

Our seniors (Dan Schade, Dan Otanicar, Nick Keller, Blair Ellenberger, and Jimmy Matuszak) are leaving the program with THREE OAC CHAMPIONSHIPS, THREE trips to the NCAA TOURNAMENT and an overall record of 65-18-12 (.726) and an OAC record of 24-6-6 (.722) which are all school records for wins and winning percentage. We will be celebrating their wonderful careers at our Awards Banquet on December 12th at 1pm. Everyone is welcome to celebrate our season with us on the 12th!

Please continue to check the blog throughout the off season as we will have interviews with players, video highlihghts from the season (including our 2009 goal of the year nominees and winner), and updates on our 2010 season (that will include our 4th trip to Europe!).

Thank you again for a great 2009!

Brockport ends our season in PK shootout

2009-11-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

The second set of penalty kicks in less than a week ended our season at the hands of SUNY-Brockport in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

The first half was a defensive battle as neither team had many quality chances.

The second half started out the same as the first - a defensive battle. However, Brockport was able to get on the board in the 59th minute to take the lead 1-0.

With a little over ten minutes to play in regulation, Dan Schade sent a ball into the box that was deflected towards the Brockport goal. After the Brockport keeper made a fantastic save, Christian Huelsman was in the right place at the right time and tucked home the tying goal for his 14th of the season.

After two scoreless overtime periods, the game ended as a tie and went to PKs to decide who would face Messiah in the round of 32.

A fantastic save by the Brockport keeper on one of our PKs was all it took for them to edge us on PKs 5-3.

Our season ends at 15-3-4. Thank you to everyone that supported us throughout the season and we are looking forward to 2010.

D.U.E.

Eight Bears Named All-Conference

2009-11-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

Eight ONU men's soccer players were named to All-OAC teams this past week setting a new record for the program. The previous record was seven set in 2003.

The All-OAC awards are voted on by the coaches of all of the OAC men's soccer teams. At Ohio Northern, we view these accolades as team awards becuase, without their teammates, it would have been impossible for these players to accomplish their goals.

First Team:
Dan Schade (OAC Co-Defender of the Year)
Dan Otanicar

Second Team:
Christian Huelsman
Cameron Johnson

Honorable Mention:
Dustin Connor
Abrim Mueller
Cory Dobkins
Mac Church

Congratulations to the team for these awards!

D.U.E.

Bears earn at-large NCAA bid, host SUNY-Brockport on Thursday

2009-11-09T08:44:00.001-08:00

We earned one of the 17 NCAA at-large bids for the 2009 Division III National Tournament which marks our third time making the tournament and our first time earning an at-large bid.

Our first two trips came in 2006 and 2008, both after OAC tournament championships. This year, after falling to Capital in a PK shootout, we had to hope for an at-large bid.

The call came in Sunday night around 10:00p and this morning it was announced that we would host the first round of the tournament as SUNY-Brockport makes the trip to Ada. Thursday will mark the first time in ONU soccer history (men's or women's) that we will host an NCAA tournament game.

The game time is 1:00p on Thursday, with the winner traveling to 2008 national champs Messiah (Pa.) on Sunday.

D.U.E.

Bears Tie Capital in OAC Final, fall short on PK's

2009-11-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

We tied Capital 2-2 in the OAC Final on Saturday afternoon in Ada, however Capital took advantage of a PK shootout to earn their first trip to the NCAA tournament.

We took the lead in the 26th minute when Greg Stawicki finished a Dan Schade cross for his eighth goal of the season.

We extended our lead just six minutes later when Christian Huelsman finished a shot from 20 yards out off an assist from Stawicki. The goal is Huelsman's team-leading 13th of the season.

Capital came out firing in the second half and was able to get two goals just four minutes apart to tie the game at 2-2.

Both overtimes were scoreless and Capital earned the OAC automatic qualifier by edging us 2-1 on penalty kicks.

D.U.E.

Solid defense proves key in OAC Semi

2009-11-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

An own goal just 1:54 into the match was all we needed to advance to our third OAC final in four seasons.

Sophomore Abrim Mueller dribbled down the right side of the field and sent a cross in that was headed in by a Heidelberg defender for the only goal of the match.

Our defense stayed solid the rest of the game to earn our 11th shutout of the season, just one shy of the ONU record of 12 set in 2008.

In the other OAC semi-final today, Capital defeated Baldwin-Wallace by a score of 2-1.

Capital will travel to Ada on Saturday for the OAC final to be played at 2:00p.

Mac Church - Save v. Heidelberg

D.U.E.

2-1 win secures outright OAC championship

2009-11-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

A 2-1 win at Marietta on Saturday afternoon secured our second outright OAC Regular Season Championship and fourth regular season title overall.

Sophomore Christian Huelsman got us on the board at the 25 minute mark off an assist from fellow Wellington High School alum Greg Stawicki. The goal is Huelsman's team-leading 12th of the season.

Junior Chaz McCullah recorded the game winner just five minutes later off an assist from Huelsman. The goal is McCullah's second of the season and the assist is Huelsman's fifth.

With the win, we become the first team since John Carroll in 2001 to go undefeated in the OAC regular season and the first ONU team to do so.

We return to action on Thursday when we play the winner of Heidelberg and Marietta who play tomorrow (Tuesday) at Heidelberg. The game on Thursday will be at the ONU Soccer Field at 2:00p.

D.U.E.

2-1 Decision Clinches OAC Championship on Senior Day

2009-10-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

We clinched at least a share of the OAC regular season championship Wednesday afternoon as we came from behind to beat Wilmington 2-1.

Wilmington got on the board in the 38th minute by finishing a loose ball from 12 yards out. Their lead did not last long as Christian Huelsman finished his 11th goal of the season off an assist from Cameron Johnson in the 40th minute to tie the game 1-1.

Cameron Johnson then finished his second game-winning goal in as many games in the 50th minute off an assist from Jimmy Matuszak and Abrim Mueller to give us a 2-1 advantage.

Our defense held strong the rest of the way and the game ended 2-1.

With the win, we claim at least a share of the OAC regular season championship as well as a first seed and home field advantage in next week's OAC tournament.

We finish OAC regular season play on Saturday at Marietta.

D.U.E.

Shutout Secures OAC Victory at Otterbein

2009-10-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

Our second straight 1-0 shutout secured an important OAC win at Otterbein on Saturday afternoon.

Cameron Johnson tucked away the game winning goal in the 41st minute when he finished a header inside 6 yards off a Christian Huelsman corner kick. The goal is Johnson's fourth of the season and the assist is Huelsman's fourth.

The shutout did not come easy. Otterbein was a constant threat on our goal and first-year keeper Mac Church came up big on several occasions to keep the clean sheet.

The shutout is our 10th of the season, just two shy of the current ONU record of 12 from the 2006 season.

Our current goals against average is .803.

We continue our OAC season with a Senior Day match vs. Wilmington on Wednesday at 4:00.

D.U.E.

Bears shut out Berg

2009-10-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

We were able to stay atop the OAC standings on Tuesday night when we beat Heidelberg 1-0 in Tiffin.

We showed our offensive abilities early as we had numerous chances within the first 15 minutes of action. In the fifth minute, Dan Schade played a beautiful cross to Cameron Johnson who was unable to finish past a diving Heidelberg keeper.

We were able to get on the board early in the second half as Abrim Mueller's shot was deflected into the Heidelberg net just 4:19 into the half.

Our defense held solid the rest of the way, securing our ninth shutout of the season.

We return to action this Saturday when we travel to Westerville to take on Otterbein at 2:00pm.

D.U.E.

Bears tie JCU on Parent's Day

2009-10-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Visitors John Carroll blemished an otherwise flawless OAC record on Saturday afternoon by coming from behind twice and tying us 2-2 on Parent's Day.

Senior Jimmy Matuszak started the scoring for us in the 7th minute of action when he finished a loose ball in the box after a corner kick. JCU responded with a goal of their own in the 12th minute to make the score 1-1.

Just 10 minutes later, Cameron Johnson slotted home a goal from 12 yards out after a beautiful pass from Matuszak. Again, JCU answered with an equalizer in the 34th minute to tie the score at 2-2 going into halftime.

Despite out-shooting JCU 31-8 (and hitting the cross bar in overtime) we were unable to find the back of the net even with two periods of extra time.

We take the field again on Tuesday as we make the short trip to Tiffin to take on Heidelberg at 7:00pm.

Thank you to all the parents that attended Saturday's game and those that could not make it. We appreciate all of your support. Our success is only possible because of you!

D.U.E.

Huelsman and Otanicar Lead the Bears

2009-10-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

We gained sole possession of first place in the OAC with a 2-0 victory over hosts Baldwin-Wallace on Wednesday night.

With both teams sitting at 3-0 in conference play, Wednesday's game was forecasted to be a battle from beginning to end. Coming into the game, BW was on an eight game winning streak and had not given up a goal in OAC play.

Dan Otanicar gave BW their first OAC goal against off an assist from Dustin Connor in the 31st minute. The goal is Otanicar's ninth of the season.

BW threatened to tie the game going into halftime as they rattled off a number of set pieces inside the final minute of play. First-year keeper Mac Church eventually secured the ball and took us into halftime leading 1-0.

It was important for us to get an insurance goal early in the second half. Christian Huelsman was able to add to our lead in the 51st minute off an assist from Cameron Johnson. The goal is Huelsman's team-leading 10th of the season.

Our defense was able to deny the BW attack for 90 minutes to secure our second OAC shutout in a row and our eighth of the season. Our current OAC goals against average is .50 with our season GAA falling to .77.

We continue OAC play on Saturday as we host John Carroll for a 1:00pm kickoff on Parent's Day.

D.U.E.

ONU 1 Mount Union 0

2009-10-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

We moved to 3-0 in OAC play and 9-3-1 overall on Saturday by beating Mount Union 1-0 on Homecoming.

Strong defense by both teams resulted in a scoreless first half.

After consistent pressure, we got in the board in the 55th minute when senior Dan Schade finished a loose ball in the box for his first goal of the season.

First-year keeper Mac Church and the ONU defense secured our seventh shutout of the season.

We continue OAC action on Wednesday when we travel to Berea to face off against Baldwin-Wallace who are also 3-0 in the OAC.

D.U.E.

Strong OAC Start

2009-10-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

We continued conference play on Tuesday afternoon by defeating Capital 4-1 in Ada.

Our Scoring began in the 12th minute of the first half when Dan Otanicar's throw-in was headed in by a Capital defender to give us the 1-0 advantage. After numerous chances throughout the first half, our hardwork was rewarded when Greg Stawicki finished a loose ball in the box to give us a 2-0 lead going into halftime.

Capital came out strong in the second half and had numerous chances to get on the board. Backed by a little luck, our defense kept the visitors scoreless during their early second half attacks.

In the 61st minute we extended our lead to three when Dan Otanicar finished from inside 18 yards off of a quick restart by Dan Schade. Our lead became four in the 78th minute when Stawicki finished his second of the match off a rebound from a Cameron Johnson shot. Our shutout was lost just 22 seconds after our fourth goal when Capital found the net off a header from inside 12 yards.

With the win we sit atop the OAC standings with a 2-0 record along with Baldwin-Wallace.

Also with the win, Coach Ridenour earned his 150th career victory.

We return to action on Saturday as we take on Mount Union in Ada for a 1:00 Homecoming match.

D.U.E.

OAC Opener

2009-10-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

Two first half goals proved too much for Muskingum University as we started our 2009 OAC season with a 2-1 victory Saturday afternoon in New Concord.

Dan Otanicar started the scoring in the 18th minute when he finished a shot into the upper corner of the Muskies net off an assist from Christian Huelsman. Otanicar returned the favor just 10 minutes later to give us a 2-0 halftime lead.

The second half was back and forth. Muskingum scored in the 77th minute to make the score 2-1. Despite some added pressure by Muskingum we were able to hold on to secure our first victory of the young OAC season.

We return to action Tuesday as we take on reigning OAC regular season champions Capital University at home at 4:00.

D.U.E.

Bears down Defiance to end Non-Conference Play

2009-09-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

We finished our non-conference schedule on Tuesday afternoon by defeating visitors Defiance College 7-0.

Dan Otanicar started the scoring inside the first minute when he hit a far post shot off an assist from Dustin Connor for his sixth of the season. Chaz McCullah added a second in the fourth minute of play when he converted inside 12 yards off an assist from Dan Schade. Schade tallied his second assist of the game when he play a ball into the feet of Cameron Johnson who finished from inside 18 yards. Greg Stawicki finished off the first half scoring when he converted a Dan Otanicar pass for his fifth of the season.

Christian Huelsman scored a hat trick (his second of his career) within the first 17 minutes of the first half off two assists from Chaz McCullah and one solo effort. His goals came in the 49th, 53rd, and 62nd minutes for his sixth, seventh, and eigth goals of the season.

Our defense secured our sixth shutout of the season, dropping our goals against average to .88.

The OAC starts on Saturday when we travel to New Concord to face Muskingum University.

D.U.E.

No. 3 Ohio Wesleyan downs Bears

2009-09-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

No. 3 Ohio Wesleyan defeated us 5-0 Wednesday afternoon in Ada. With the score 2-0 at the half, the Bishops put the game out of reach by adding three goals within the first 15 minutes of the second half.

We wrap up non-conference play on Tuesday when Defiance College comes to Ada for a 4pm match.

D.U.E.

OAC-MIAA Shootout Champs

2009-09-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

We won the OAC-MIAA Shootout this afternoon for the third time in the last four years after a three goal first half defeated Trine University.

After both teams had chances in the beginning of the first half, we took the lead off an unassisted Christian Huelsman goal in the 30th minute. Fellow Wellington High School alumni Greg Stawicki was able to add two more in the closing minutes of the first half. The first off of a through ball by Cory Dobkins in the 36th minute and the second off of a stolen back pass to the Trine keeper in the 43rd minute.

Solid defense by both teams resulted in a scoreless second half, as well as the fifth shutout of the season for our defense.

Our goals against is now at .486 on the year.

D.U.E.

Bears down Kalamazoo in OAC-MIAA Shootout

2009-09-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

We won the first game of the OAC-MIAA shootout this afternoon by shutting out Kalamazoo 7-0.

Cameron Johnson started the scoring for us with a shot from 10 yards out off of a long throw in just 12 minutes into the game. Robert Sellers added a second goal going into halftime with a goal from a tough angle in the 37th minute.

A barrage of goals came in the second half. Just 46 seconds in, Abrim Mueller ripped a shot from 30 yards out into the top corner of the goal. Just six minutes later, Christian Huelsman added a fourth off of an assist from keeper Mac Church and Dan Otanicar. Our fifth goal was credited as an own goal after Huelsman was on a break away and his initial shot was cleared off the line and into another Kalamazoo player and into the back of the net. Our sixth came off of an Abrim Mueller freekick that Jimmy Matuszak headed in. Greg Stawicki slotted home our seventh goal from 18 yards out in the 81st minute.

Mac Church and the ONU defense secured the team's fourth shutout of the season. Our current goals against average is .57. In the second match of the OAC-MIAA shootout, John Carroll University of the OAC defeated Trine University of the MIAA 2-0.

Tomorrow John Carroll will play Kalamazoo at 12:30 and we will take on Trine at 2:30.

D.U.E.

Back on Track

2009-09-16T06:27:00.001-07:00

We got back on track Tuesday afternoon when we won our 2009 home-opener vs. Wittenberg 1-0.

Sophomore Greg Stawicki (Wellington) got the lone goal of the match and his first of the season when Abrim Mueller crossed the ball into the box for the finish in the 40th minute.

We came close to adding a second in the second half when Dan Otanicar beat his defender and ripped a shot off the post from 18 yards out.

First-year keeper Mac Church earned the shutout, his third of the season. Our current goals against average on the season is .643.

We return to action this weekend when we host the OAC-MIAA as John Carroll, Trine, and Kalamazoo come to Ada.

Greg Stawicki and Dan Schade

D.U.E.

Case hands us our second loss

2009-09-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

A late first half goal resulted in our second loss of the season on Saturday afternoon at the hands of Case Western Reserve University.

A number of chances in the second half (even a goal called back) were not enough to even the score.

We are back in action tomorrow (Tuesday, 9/15) when we play our first home game vs. Wittenberg at 4:00pm.

D.U.E.

Late Goal Results in First Loss

2009-09-10T05:45:00.001-07:00

An Ohio Dominican goal with less than 50 seconds remaining in regulation on Wednesday night resulted in our first loss of the season.

Ohio Dominican started the scoring in the first half slotting a shot past first year keeper Mac Church from 18 yards out. We tied it up early in the second half when a free kick landed at the feet of Christian Huelsman for his third goal in four games.

Just as the game looked to be heading for overtime, an Ohio Dominican cross was chested down for an easy finish on sophomore keeper Mike Girardot with less than 50 seconds remaining.

Ohio Dominican is currently in its last year with NAIA and will be NCAA Division II next year. Ohio Dominican will be in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Association (GLIAC) next year.

Our season continues on Saturday with an important in-region game at Case Western Reserve at 1:00.

D.U.E.

NSCAA Poll/OAC Player of the Week

2009-09-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

In the first NSCAA poll of 2009 we are ranked number 21. For the complete list of the top 25 please click here.

Also this week, junior Dan Otanicar has been named the Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Week after his five goals in three games helped us to start the season 2-0-1. Otanicar scored one goal against Manchester, three against Bridgewater, and had the tying goal against Roanoke with 18.6 seconds remaining in regulation on Saturday night. Otanicar was also named to the Roanoke Classic All-Tournament Team along with Sophomore Dustin Connor and first-year keeper Mac Church.

Tonight we play Ohio Dominican University in Columbus at 7pm.

D.U.E.

Roanoke Classic Champs

2009-09-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon we played Bridgewater (VA) of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Christian Huelsman started the scoring off for us in the 16th minute with his second of the season. Dan Otanica had the next two for his third and fourth of the season. Brendan Crowley received credit for the fourth goal (even though we all know it was an own goal) for his first career points.

After halftime, Chaz McCullah was taken down inside the box and we were awarded a PK. Cory Dobkins finished the PK for our fifth goal and his first of the season. In the 53rd minute, Otanicar capped off his hat trick off of an assist from Huelsman. First year player Chris Matejka finished the scoring the 83rd minute.

Saturday night we played hosts Roanoke who beat Philadelphia Bible University 6-0 on Friday. The first half finished 0-0 with both teams having scoring chances. Roanoke was awarded a penalty kick in the 48th minute which put them ahead 1-0. The rest of the half was back and forth. With less than a minute remaining we earned a free kick on the left side of the Roanoke defensive half. Abrim Mueller played a ball into the box which was cleared out and then played back in by first year player Austin Windsor, after bouncing around the box the ball fell to Otanicar for his fifth goal in three games. We had a chance to put the game away in the first overtime when first year player Cameron Johnson headed a cross off the cross bar.

Because of the results on Friday night, we were named the Roanoke Class Champions because of goal differential.

Junior Dan Otanicar, Sophomore Dustin Connor, and first year player Mac Church were all named to the Roanoke Classic all-tournament team.

Roanoke Classic Highlights

D.U.E.

2009 Season Underway

2009-09-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

Our 2009 season kicked off yesterday afternoon with a matchup with Heartland Athletic Conference opponent Manchester (IN). After a scoreless first half, we kicked off the scoring just 44 seconds into the second half. Chaz McCullah (Junior, Cincinnati/Colerain) was taken down in the box and we were awarded a penalty kick. Sophomore Christian Huelsman (Wellington) gave us the 1-0 by converting the penalty kick.

After countless scoring opportunities, the game remained 1-0 until the 73rd minute when Junior Dan Otanicar (Wadsworth) converted from 12 yards out after dribbling through the Manchester backline to give us a 2-0 lead.

Our young defense played solid in the back including freshman goalkeeper Mac Church who recorded his first career shutout.

We travel to Roanoke, Virginia this coming weekend to face Bridgewater (VA) and Roanoke (VA).

D.U.E.

Alumni Weekend a Success!

2009-08-30T05:22:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Alumni Weekend flew by just as quickly as it arrived. We kicked off the festivities on Friday night with a newly formatted Alumni game. In the first 45 minutes, we had an intrasquad scrimmage which ended 1-0. In the next 45 minutes it was an Alumni vs. Alumni matchup which ended in a 0-0 tie despite multiple chances. The final 45 minutes was ONU vs. Alumni and was not exactly as low-scoring as the first hour and a half of action. The chances for an Alumni victory took a major blow less than a minute into action when Abrim Mueller hit a right footed bomb from 30 yards out to make it 1-0. The Alumni all agreed that the shot was a fluke and that we would surely bounce back for a come-from-behind victory. These feelings were not shared by anyone else but the Alumni team.

Our chances took another blow less than five minutes later when Dan Otanicar took it upon himself to embarass the Alumni backline by slicing and dicing his way through for a tap in to make the score 2-0. Again, the Alumni were not discouraged, chalking the goal up to poor field conditions.

Our comeback was looking bleak when Mark Mazzone hit a right footed shot that hit off the far post and deflected off of first year player Cameron Johnson to make the score 3-0 with approximately 15 minutes left to play. Again, an unlucky break for the Alumni.

The Alumni bad luck continued with about 7 minutes to go when newcomer Ryan Whitaker slotted a ball to Brendan Crowley for the easy finish.

After the Alumni were finally warmed up (and with 18 men on the field), we got our chance when Assistant Coach Adam Gatton was taken down in the box by keeper Mike Girardot. Thankfully the Alumni practiced a trick play for this exact situation. Alumni newcomer Ryan Smith stepped up to take the penalty kick, however, by design, he lightly tapped the ball to his left for a charging Alumni to slot home. Unfortunately, the ball was under inflated (we couldn't catch a break) and slammed off the cross bar. After a few more crosses we finally converted from 12 yards out to make the score 4-1 with less than 3 minutes to play.

Newcomer Cameron Johnson scored again with less than 2 minutes to play. Many in attendance thought the goal was unsportsmanlike considering half the alumni were desperately gasping for air after going all out to get the lone Alumni goal a minute prior.

All things considered (unlucky breaks by the Alumni and lucky breaks for the ONU team), the actual score of the game was 1-1 as opposed to the "official" score of 5-1.

Our Alumni Weekend continued on Saturday morning with our 7th Annual ONU Men's Soccer Golf Outing which was organized by several alumni.

Greg Trosper ('98-'01) was the main organizer of the event. "The 2009 Men's Soccer Golf Outing during Alumni Weekend was another successful event for the program. We had great fellowship and a perfect day for golf. The support this year from our alumni, and our friends and family of ONU Men's Soccer was outstanding. The funds raised will go to training gear, travel expenses, and a start to raising the necessary funds for the 2010 Europe Trip. We hope that you will join us in supporting this year's team and I hope that you can make it to the golf outing and soccer alumni weekend next year."

D.U.E.

Preseason: Week 1

2009-08-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

The majority of week 1 of preseason has consisted of testing our players to make sure they meet the high standards of our program. After testing we were finally able to watch the guys play and start discussing who will fit where and what we need to do to have a successful season. So far, we feel that we have a good mesh of veteran players and young talent that will give us another season like 2008. Next week will be a very telling week as to how the rest of our season will play out.

Brendan Crowley

D.U.E.

Alumni Weekend Schedule Announced

2009-07-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

The 2009 ONU Men's Soccer Alumni Weekend schedule has been announced. Events will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 28-29th.

The weekend will kick-off with a new Alumni Game format:

Friday, August 28th
6pm - ONU 2009 Soccer Intra Squad Game (40 minutes)
6:45pm - ONU Alumni Intra Squad Game (40 minutes)
7:30pm - ONU 2009 vs. ONU Alumni (45 minutes)

The next event will be the 7th annual ONU Men's Soccer golf outing:

Saturday, August 29th
8:30am - 7th Annual ONU Men's Soccer golf outing at Colonial Hills Golfers Club
1:00pm - Lunch, Awards, and Presentation

Please contact the soccer office at 419-772-2458, or by email (b-ridenour@onu.edu) for more informaton on our alumni weekend events. Your support of everything that we do is greatly appreciated!

2009 Recruiting Class Announced

2009-05-15T07:24:00.001-07:00

We are proud to annouce our 2009 recruiting class. The following athletes will contribute to our already successful program and will hopefully help us reach our ultimate goal of a national champhionship.

Mac Church/Goalkeeper
Anthony Wayne/Whitehouse, OH
Pacesetter
Sport Management

Josh Green/Midfielder
Dublin Jerome/Dublin, OH
Gahanna Arsenal FC
Mechanical Engineering

Ryan Huber/Back
Centerville/Centerville, OH
Ohio Galaxies
Mechanical Engineering

Ryan Jern/Back
Santiago/San Diego, CA
Corona Chivas
Marketing

Cameron Johnson/Midfielder
Brighton/Rochester, NY
Rochester FC
Electrical Engineering

Chris Matejka/Midfielder
Cloverleaf/Spencer, OH
Everest SC
Journalism

Patrick Roberts/Forward
Lexington Catholic/Lexington, KY
Lexington, FC
Accounting

Ryan Sabol/Midfielder
Lancaster/Lancaster, OH
Crew Jrs Gold
General Studies

Craig Sumner/Back
Padua Franciscan/Brunswick, OH
Excalibur
International Business & Economics

Austin Windsor/Midfielder
Dublin Jerome/Dublin, OH
Crew Juniors Gold
Mechanical Engineering

Ryan Whitaker/Forward
Liberty Benton/Findlay, OH
Findlay SC
Business/Pre-Law

Lee Luckasevic/Midfielder
Charleroi Area/Charleroi, PA
Foothills SC
Mechanical Engineering

Erik Rust/Forward
Central/Evansville, IN
Evansville Elite FC
Pharmacy

Kyler Washam/Back
Shawnee/Lima, OH
Ohio Extreme SC
Mechanical Engineering

D.U.E.

Black-Orange game ends

2009-05-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Another Black-Orange game is in the books.

After a 6-0 thrashing on Monday, Black had to make some serious changes or they would be the first team to ever be swept in the six years of Black vs. Orange. Those changes proved to be too much for Orange to handle as they won Game 2 1-0 to force Game 3.

On Thursday Game 3 took place and Black was the dominant team again. A pair of first half goals helped guide the team to a Black-Orange Championship. The score at the final whistle was 3-1.

The teams for Black-Orange were as follows:

Black: Crowley, Matuszak, Ellenberger, Sellers, Roberts, Connor, Mueller, and McCullah

Orange: Schade, Otanicar, Keller, Crawford, Stawicki, Mazzone, Huelsman, Dobkins, and Evans

D.U.E.

2009 ONU Men's Soccer Black v. Orange

2009-05-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

The 2009 ONU men's soccer Black v. Orange game is already two days old. In Game 1, Orange took a commanding lead with a 6-0 victory over Black. Orange got the scoring started early and never looked back. Before Game 2, Captain Brendan Crowley spoke with the press about his teams problems in Game 1 as well as their plans for Game 2:

It appeared that Black's changes were effective as black stormed back and took Game 2 1-0 off of a David Roberts finish midway through the second half. Nate Bascom, Head Coach of Orange, was the only Orange representative to accept an invitation for a postgame interview:

Game 3 will be played today at 4:30p.

D.U.E.

Coach's Corner

2009-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

We are halfway done with our spring season and I just wanted to let you know how everything is going within the soccer program.

On the field, we are having a great spring season. The guys are all working hard and the sessions have all been very competitive. The spring season is a great time for us to get a lot accomplished as we don't have to worry about playing an opponent in a few days. We can just focus on ONU Soccer the entire time and it's really a lot of fun. I'm sure the guys are getting sick of playing against each other every day, but the technical aspects of training is where we see the most improvements.

Off the field, recruiting for our Class of 2009 is winding down. We believe we have another excellent class of players and we are confident they will be ready to join us this fall. We will be officially announcing our Class of 2009 in the next few weeks, so please continue to check back. We are also working hard on the recruiting trail for the Class of 2010.

We are also finalizing our plans for our 2010 Summer Trip to Europe. It is going to be another incredible trip for our program and our players, and we are really looking forward to it.

Thank you to everyone for your support of ONU Men's Soccer,
Coach Ridenour

Two New Polar Bears!

2009-04-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

Two new Polar Bears were born last week to Brian Schwartz and Nick Huelsman .

Ella Nicole Schwartz was born on March 19, weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and was 19 in tall.

Ava Lynne Huelsman was born on March 25 at 5:45am, weighed 8lbs 2oz and was 19in tall.

Both baby's and mom's are healthy and doing great! Congratulations Schwartz's and Huelsman's!

Adam Ross Wins Engineering Design Competition

2009-04-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

Adam Ross and three fellow classmates were awarded first place in the 2009 Student Structural Design Competition, sponsored by the Structural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Ross' group project was entitled "Design for a Swinging Bridge on the Buckeye Trail's Miami and Erie Canal Towpath."

First place was awarded $1,000 and the group will be presenting their project at the 2009 Structures Congress in Austin, Texas, on May 2.

Click here for the complete story.

D.U.E.

Ryan Smith Honored Twice

2009-03-24T12:17:00.001-07:00

In the past week, Ryan Smith has earned two prestigious awards. Ryan won the NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship award which is worth $7,500. Only four soccer players across the nation were awarded this scholarship this year.

Ryan was also awarded the Clyde A. Lamb Scholar Athlete award. This award is given to one male and one female at each OAC institution. This is the fourth time a men's soccer player has won this award and the first time since Matt Ellis won in 2001.

Check out the interview with Ryan below as well as some remarks from Director of Athletics Tom Simmons and Head Coach Brent Ridenour.

Spring Update!

2009-03-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

With Spring right around the corner, we have been extremely busy with fundraising and getting ready for our spring practices.

On February 28th and March 1st we had our annual Futsal tournament in the fieldhouse of the Sports Center which helps raise money to support our program. This year's event had new additions including raffles and a speed kick game! We raised a lot of money for our program through this event which will help support our nationally ranked team in 2009. For highlights of the tournament click here.

Last summer we had our first 7v7 Kickoff Tournament in which 10 teams participated. This year we will host the 2nd annual tournament with hopes to expand the number of teams. This year's tournament will be held on June 6th. For more information on the 7v7 tournament please click here.

Our guys have lifted and played all winter and are ready to get our Spring season underway. We start practice on April 13th and our annual Black-Orange game begins on May 4th.

A letter from a former ONU soccer player...

2009-03-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

ONU Soccer Becomes a Varsity Sport – And I almost missed it! A personal tribute to Dr. Amar Bhattacharya by Randy Maltbie

If I had not participated in the ONU Soccer Club from 1972 until 1975, it is unlikely that I would have graduated from ONU. Being an ONU soccer alumnus means much more to me than the fun of playing a varsity sport; it means the start of my success in life. I’ve written this document to highlight the compassionate action of Dr. Amar Bhattacharya and how he helped me when I needed it the most. Doc B, I can never thank-you enough and I want others to know what you did for me.

The ONU Soccer club completed an excellent season in early November 1974. Recording the first winning season in club history with a record of 6 wins, 4 losses and 1 tie, the ONU Soccer club achieved their dream of varsity status.

Club officers and Dr. Amar Bhattacharya met with athletic department management to discuss granting varsity status as often as they could gain an audience. There was no prior indication from anyone that the issue of soccer varsity status was being addressed by the University Board of Trustees. When “Doc B” was notified that varsity status was being granted he was as surprised as anyone to get the terrific news. Players were notified almost immediately and we began dreaming about the upcoming season, not knowing what to expect.

I don’t recall when I heard the news that our Soccer Club had been granted varsity status. I was never eligible to be a club officer due to weak academic performance, so my role with the club was limited to grounds maintenance, transportation, and playing. For me, success on the soccer field was not transferring into the classroom and at the end of winter quarter 1975 I was suspended by ONU for poor academic performance. Coincidentally the last day of this quarter occurred on my 21st birthday.

On March 11, 1975 I entered Doc B’s office in the Pharmacy building to ask his advice on handling my recent academic suspension from the university. Prior to this meeting I doubt that he and I had carried on an entire hour of conversation since my arrival at ONU in September 1972. I knew him casually as the soccer club adviser and had played with him a few times when he had kicked the ball around on the field with us but knew little else about him.

I had just been denied transfer acceptance by the College of Arts and Sciences and was expecting to return to the Sigma Pi Fraternity house to pack my belongs and head back to my parent’s home. I cannot explain why I approached Doc B or how I thought he might assist me. In fact, I did not ask him to help me at all. I explained to him what had happened and that I wanted more than anything to complete my education at ONU. I told him that I wanted to transfer to Biology, my favorite subject, but had been denied by the A&S dean. After listening patiently to my story, he told me to wait in his office and departed for nearly an hour. When he returned he told me to come with him for a meeting with the Dean of Pharmacy, Dr. Leroy Beltz. He told me to remain silent and only answer specific questions when asked by the Dean. During this meeting Doc B laid out a plan that would reinstate me as an ONU pharmacy student, place him as my academic advisor, and give me 1 year to turn my grades around to gain acceptance to the College of Arts and Sciences. Doc B and I would work with Professor Terry Keiser to get me on track to complete my bachelor’s degree in Biology and while I was officially a pharmacy student, I was not allowed to take any pharmacy classes.

Dean Beltz asked a couple of questions and approved Doc B’s plan. On March 12, 1975 I was reinstated as an ONU student; missing only a week of spring quarter classes.

I wish I could say that the saga ended that day but it did not. Even though my grades improved during the spring quarter of 1975 I remained on academic probation at the end of the quarter. I thought my chances of participating in the first varsity soccer season were nil.

During the summer of 1975, Doc B contacted soccer club members and asked us to report to a pre-season training camp prior to the start of the 1975 Varsity Soccer season. I reported to training camp out of shape as I was certain I’d be unable to play.

Doc B told me to get my act together and get to work because I should have a positive approach to the upcoming season. A few days later Doc B and I were back in Dean Beltz’s office. This time Doc B asked the dean to approve my request to play varsity soccer even though I was still on academic probation. Again, Dean Beltz asked a few questions and approved my request.

We won our first game and one other during that first season. I played in goal for almost every minute only sitting out a short time after being charged by an opponent and getting the wind knocked out of me. It was a glorious experience.

I worked hard academically fall and winter quarters and at the end of winter quarter 1976 I transferred to the College of Arts and Sciences as a student in good standing. I went on to play a second varsity season in the fall of 1976 and graduated from ONU on May 22, 1977.

Without my participation on the ONU Soccer Club I would never have known Dr. Amar Bhattacharya, he never would have interceded with the university on my behalf, and it is highly probable that I would not be an ONU alumnus today.

I wrote this article to make public the incredible act of compassion that Doc B did for me back in 1975. A few of my close friends know how much he helped me but in my humble opinion far too few. Over the past 30 plus years Doc B and I have remained close. We speak on the telephone often and even visit on occasion as my mother lives near him in Ohio and he has relatives that live near me in Maryland. He knows how I feel about the incredible gift his support provided me toward my education but I wanted to let as many people know about this as possible.

Doc B, thank-you for what you did for me. Without your help, in part because of my participation with the Soccer Club, I would not be an ONU alumnus.

ONU Men's Soccer Recognized

2009-02-18T11:17:00.000-08:00

On Saturday the team was recognized at the men's basketball game vs. Capital for their achievements this past season. In addition to being recognized at the game, we hung the pictures of our First Team All-OAC graduating seniors.

D.U.E.

A Day in the Life of Dustin Connor

2009-02-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Dustin Connor, a first year back from Lodi Ohio (Cloverleaf High School) carried our video camera around for a day. See what life is like for Dustin.

D.U.E.

ONU Men's Soccer History

2009-02-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

The ONU men’s soccer program comes from humble beginnings. We strive every year to pass down a legacy to every player that don’s the ONU men’s soccer shield by sharing stories and experiences from when we (the coaching staff) were players.

Below is a brief history of our program as well as some quotes from some previous players and coaches.

The earliest evidence of an ONU men’s soccer team is in the Ohio Northern yearbook from 1969-70 (left). At the time, Dr. Ludanyi was the club advisor. In the years prior to becoming a varsity sport, the team prepared the game field, scheduled their own matches, scheduled the referees, and spent their own money and cars to get to away games. Randy Maltbie had the privelege of playing in ONU soccer's first varsity season; he was a senior the year the program became a varsity sport. “Every year I played at ONU brought a different location for our games, “ Maltbie said. The game fields ranged from Ada War Memorial Park to the west end of campus and a few spots in between. Maltbie was approached to play for the team during a social event in the fall of his freshman year. “I had never seen a soccer game before but was approached by some of the soccer club members about joining the team…The argument presented to me was that since I had played high school baseball and some high school basketball that I was a good candidate to be the team’s goalie,” said Maltbie. In the fall of 1973 the school donated discarded practice football jerseys to the club soccer team. According to Maltbie, “It must have contained a hundred sewn up holes and was four sizes too large. I actually wore it in a couple of games when the other team showed up with uniform colors that matched my goalie jersey.” One of the best players from the 1970s was Dan Depperman. Depperman is still on ONUs statistical leaders list sitting at 10th in career goals, third in single season goals with 16 in 1976, and second in single season points with 38 in 1976.

After years of competing at the club level, Dr. Amar Battarcharya (Dr. B) discussed the possibility of the men’s soccer team becoming a varsity sport with then Athletic Director Marvin English. English did not want a varsity soccer program at ONU and essentially gave the program no chance. “The early years were the toughest; myself and the players received no support from the administration or athletic department, especially when it came to becoming a varsity sport,” said Dr. B. After a few more years of petitioning the athletic department and the administration, the ONU men’s soccer team became a varsity sport in 1975. In its first season as a program, the men’s soccer team finished 2-8 including disappointing losses to the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, and the University of Toledo. In its second season, the program earned its first winning season posting a 9-3 record. Then, in 1977, the Ohio Athletic Conference recognized men’s soccer as a varsity sport and the team posted an in-conference record of 4-2, good enough for third place in the OAC North Division.

The 1980s saw many milestones in ONU soccer history. In 1980, ONU men’s soccer placed second in the OAC regular season with a 4-3-1 record in OAC play. The following season in 1981, we had our first ever All OAC player Basim Georges in 1981. This was following a 9-2-1 record and a third place finish in the OAC North Division. In 1984, the OAC combined divisions and we finished in 4th place. Other First Team All-OAC players included Alfredo Mendoza (’81-’82), David Saunders (’84), Logan Pitchell (‘84’86) who is still third on ONU’s career goals list with 35 and sixth in overall points with 83, Bob Lipp (’87-’88) who is currently fourth in career assists with 25.

The 1990s began the same way the 1980s ended, with bottom finishes in the OAC (ninth in ’89 and seventh in ’90). The program reached its first ever OAC tournament in 1993, only to lose to Hiram 3-2, this with the help of Brent Ridenour’s 15 goals. The 1990s saw countless All-OAC performances including Brent Ridenour (’94) who is currently fourth in single season goals with 17, first in career goals with 56, and first in career points with 125, Stuart Johnston (’95) who is currently seventh in career assists with 17, Nate Kear (’98), Eric Wilde (’98), and Brian Schwartz (’98) who is still tenth in career points with 67. Dave Knapp (’89-’92) is still currently first in career saves with 484.

In 1997, Dr. B stepped down as the head men’s soccer coach of Ohio Northern and simultaneously ONU men’s soccer entered a new era. Hired for the job was four year letter winner and record holder Brent Ridenour (’91-’94). In the 1998 season, Coach Ridenour led the Bears to a 12-8-2 record (first winning season since 1994) and an OAC final appearance. In 2000 the Bears earned their first OAC regular season championship by posting an in-conference record of 8-1 as well as being ranked 22nd in the nation. In 2002, after four successful years as head coach, Coach Ridenour and the men’s team decided they needed a logo to symbolize what the ONU soccer program stands for. After many meetings and countless ideas and drawings, the current ONU men’s soccer logo was formed, with the three stars in the center standing for Discipline, Unity, Excellence (DUE). DUE would become the philosophy of the ONU men’s soccer program.

The ONU men had successful season year in and year out but the program goals were still dreams to the players; a conference tournament title, an NCAA tournament appearance, a national title. The program did not have to wait long. In 2006, the Bears were said to have a “rebuilding year”. Instead, the Bears finished with a 16-3-5 record, won the OAC regular season, the OAC tournament final, made the NCAA tournament, and even won their first ever NCAA tournament game by beating Transylvania (Ky.) 2-0. The benchmark was set for future ONU teams.

Then, this past season, the bar was raised a bit higher by winning the OAC tournament and making it to the Elite 8 in the NCAA tournament.

So far in the 2000s, we have had 15 First Team All OAC selections including John Murphy (2000), Matt Ellis (’00-’01) who was an Academic All American, Midfielder of the Year in ’01, Co-Offensive Player of the Year in ’00, ONU soccer’s only All American selection in 2000, and is currently third in career points with 96, Andy Milby (’00-’01) who is currently third in career saves with 298, Greg Trosper (’00) who was Co-Offensive Player of the Year with Matt Ellis in ’00, Adam Gatton (’04) who was Co-Forward of the year in ’04 and is currently first in single season goals with 22, fifth in career goals with 34, and eighth in career points, Andrew Shultz (’04), DJ Switzer (’03-’04), Aaron Lecklider (’05) who is currently first in career assists with 33, and first in single season assists with 14, despite only playing three season, Mark Pupillo (’05), Aaron Collins (’06) who was OAC Goalkeeper of the Year in ’06, is currently fourth in career saves with 223, and was third team All-Region in ’06, Zach Huffman (’07), Adam Ross (’07), and Ryan Smith (’06-’08) who was a two-time OAC Defender of the Year in ’06 and ’08, an Academic All American in ’08, and All-Region in ’06 and ‘08.

There are other All –OAC players currently on the roster.

In 40 plus seasons, the Ohio Northern University men’s soccer team has evolved from wearing hand-me-down football practice jerseys, lining the game field themselves, and scheduling their own matches, to being a NCAA Division III Top 25 program, having some of the best facilities in the nation, and fighting for a national championship every year.

If you have any funny stories or additions to this history, please comment on this post and share your experiences with ONU soccer!

D.U.E.

ONU men's soccer honored on Division III All-Ohio Teams

2009-01-26T06:20:00.000-08:00

The NCAA Division III All-Ohio selections have been announced and our program has been honored with four players making the list.

Ryan Smith - First Team
Christian Huelsman - Second Team
Adam Ross - Third Team
Nate Bascom - Third Team

Coach Ridenour was also honored as the Division III Coach of the Year!

We consider these awards to not only be team awards, but also program awards. There is no way we could have earned these awards without the support of everyone involved with ONU men's soccer. Thank you!

D.U.E.

Top 5 Saves and Top 5 Goals

2009-01-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Throughout the off season we will be posting something new about once a week to keep everyone informed on ONU soccer and to help you learn more about our players, alumni, facilities, and overall program.

This first post consists of two videos. One our of Top Goals from 2008 and one of our Top Saves from 2008.

Enjoy!

D.U.E.

Top 5 Goals

Top 5 Saves

2009 Schedule Announced

2008-12-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

2009 is fast approaching. We have added to the left side of the page an "Important Dates for 2009." It includes our 2009 Varsity Schedule as well as Alumni Weekend dates, Futsal dates, etc. Please continue to check back as things do change throughout the year.

Big Weekend for ONU Soccer

2008-12-11T05:31:00.001-08:00

It will be a busy weekend for the ONU Men's Soccer program. On Saturday, at 1pm, the Polar Bears will be having their 2008 Awards Banquet to honor this year's successful team as well as eight amazing seniors. More on the seniors below.

On Sunday evening, the team will host their annual "Recruit Night" where many future teammates will be visiting campus to learn more about ONU and ONU Men's Soccer. These are both great events...it's tough saying goodbye to outstanding members of our team, but it's a lot of fun meeting some of the upcoming stars of our program.

Seniors that will be experiencing their final send off on Saturday include:

#1 Aaron Collins, Dayton, OH
Accounting

#3 Colin Schroeder, Tipp City, OH
Accounting

#4 Ryan Smith, Miamisburg, OH
Biology/Pre-Med

#7 Ben Tarkany, Miamisburg, OH
International Business and Econ

#10 Adam Ross, Cincinnati, OH
Civil Engineering

#14 Geoff Smith, Newark, OH
Sport Management

#16 Ben Jackson, Scipio Center, NY
Civil Engineering

#19 Trevor Baron, Tipp City, OH
International Business and Econ

Highlights for the Seniors

o Most wins in ONU history: 59
o OAC Regular Season Champions: 2006
o OAC Tournament Champions: 2006, 2008
o 1st NCAA Tournament Win in ONU Soccer history – 2006
o NCAA Elite 8 – 2008
o Broke the ONU shutout record twice: 2006, 2008

We hope to have some comments by the seniors after Saturday's Awards Banquet.

Coach's Corner

2008-12-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

There is no way I can express in words how grateful we are for your support this season! The emails, phone calls, text messages, letters, notes, etc that we received was amazing. And, the fan support we received at our games (even in Chicago and Dubuque Iowa) was unmatched. Thank you!

It was an amazing season, and one that I don't think any of us will soon forget. We kicked things off with the alumni game, followed by a trip over to Anderson, Indiana, and then on a plane to Southern California. Who knew that was just the beginning of our travels. We came back and played some really tough competition (including 3 NCAA bound teams within 2 weeks - Ohio Wesleyan, Calvin, and Wittenberg). Then, we jumped into the OAC season which proved to be even more competitive than ever before (which we didn't think was possible).

We had to win our last regular season game just to have a chance to make the 6 team OAC Tournament. We started playing our best soccer about halfway thru October, but still lost a few games where we thought we played really well (Wilmington and Otterbein). We knew if we could qualify for the OAC Tournament, that we would be tough to beat, and we were, as we rattled off 3-0, 5-1, and 3-0 wins to win the OAC Championship. I told the guys after that game that I didn't know who or where we would be playing in the NCAA Tournament, but I could guarantee you that teams didn't want to see us in their bracket as well as we had been playing.

Then, into the NCAA Tournament (for the 2nd time in 3 seasons), where we had the opportunity to play one of the powerhouses of D3 soccer - Wheaton - who in 2006 lost in the NCAA Championship game. A 4-1 victory over the home team allowed us to play Carroll, Wisc (even though I was hoping we would get to face Wittenberg again). A heart pounding 2-1 win with 29 seconds left in the 2nd Overtime sent us to the first Sweet 16 appearance by any ONU soccer team.

Our confidence was high as we were riding a 6 game winning streak into the Sweet 16. This time we opened up with a team that had to travel even further than us (Hobart, NY) and were able to win a 2-1 game. In the Elite 8, we faced off against the home team - Loras. Loras had reached the Final Four a year ago and were also playing their best soccer at the end of their season. A few goals by Loras in the 2nd half made us change our game plan and we were able to cut the lead to only 1. However, in the closing minutes, as we pushed more guys forward in an attempt to tie the game, they scored two late goals on us.

It was a fun season and now the expectations of our program have taken yet another step up the ladder. I will have more information on our seniors and their accomplishments next week as we move closer to the Awards Banquet and into the off season. Please continue to check the blog on a regular basis as we will have features throughout the year.

Thank you again to everyone!

Brent Ridenour, Head Coach

ONU Men's Soccer Banquet

2008-12-02T08:13:00.001-08:00

We will be having our banquet on December 13th at 1:00pm in the McIntosh Center ballroom which is located on the second floor. Make sure you email Coach Ridenour and RSVP by this Friday, December 5th.

Also, Coach Gatton will be emailing out an apparel order form. In order to have most of the items in for the Holidays, we need your orders back by this Friday. Look out for an email from Coach Gatton soon.

D.U.E.

Our season ends in the Elite 8

2008-11-23T20:16:00.001-08:00

We lost a hard fought match tonight vs. #21 Loras College 4-1 in the Elite 8 of the NCAA division III national tournament.

After a scoreless first half, Loras came out attacking and put two away in the first 15 minutes of the half. In the 61st minute we caught a break when Abrim Mueller hit a beautiful volley into the top corner of the net.

We could not hold the Loras attack however as we pressed hard for the equalizer. Loras scored two in the last 10 minutes to put the game away.

We end our season with a record of 20-6-1 and a goals against average of .85. This is our programs' first 20-win season as well as our deepest run into the NCAA tournament.

Thank you to all of you who have supported us throughout the season. It was a fun ride and we look forward to next season!

D.U.E.

2-1 decision extends our season to the Elite 8

2008-11-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

We moved on to the Elite 8 by defeating the #4 ranked Hobart College tonight on the campus of Loras College. The Elite 8 match will be tomorrow night vs. Loras College who defeated Augsburg College 2-1 in double overtime.

Dustin Connor put us on the board in the second half when he finished a loose ball in the box to make the score 1-0. Just 15 minutes later in the 67th minute, Jimmy Matuszak put us ahead 2-0 when he flicked in a Nate Bascom cross.

The Statesmen battled back and scored with 18 minutes left to play, however our defense was solid again and we were able to earn the 2-1 victory and our program's first berth to the Elite 8.

Our defense played solid tonight only giving up one goal to the 4th ranked team in the nation. Aaron Collins played an outstanding game with 5 saves on the night. Our goals against average becomes .73.

We play Loras tomorrow night (Sunday) at 7:00pm EST. To watch the game via live webcast, please click here, then click on our game (lower left) and there should be an icon you can click to watch the game.

D.U.E.

Dubuque, here we come!

2008-11-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

For the third round of the NCAA tournament we will be traveling to Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. We will be playing 4th ranked Hobart College of New York in the third round. In the other match, 2007 NCAA tournament semi-finalist Loras College will take on Augsburg College of Minnesota.

D.U.E.

Sweet 16!

2008-11-15T22:45:00.000-08:00

A goal with 29.7 seconds left in the second overtime of our second round match vs. Carroll (Wis.) sent us to the sweet 16 of the NCAA division III national tournament for the first time in our program's history.

Huelsman started the scoring for us in the 17th minute when he finished a shot from 25 yards out. Less than three minutes remaining in the first half, Carroll had a loose ball find an open player at the top of our box who calmly hit a volley into the back of our net to make it 1-1.

After halftime it was a defensive battle as both teams played solid defense to keep the game tied 1-1.

The first overtime came and went with Carroll having the majority of the dangerous chances. In the second overtime, we started to get a few more chances. After pounding the Carroll box the last minute and a half of the second overtime, we finally got our break. Dan Schade played a ball into the box where Jimmy Matuszak's one touch found Adam Ross who had a shot. His shot was blocked but fell right to eh feet of Huelsman who calmly took a touch and finished the game.

Our defense had another solid game tonight. Aaron Collins made some spectacular saves to keep us in the game. He had 10 total on the night.

We will find our who and where we play in the Sweet 16 on Monday.

Thank you to everyone who made the trip to Wheaton this weekend. It means everything to us and is something we will never forget! Thank you!

D.U.E.

Bears roll to the round of 32

2008-11-14T23:00:00.000-08:00

We moved on to the round of 32 tonight with a big win over the 17th ranked host Wheaton College 4-1.

Nate Bascom was the star of the first round by scoring a hat trick in the opening game. Bascom started the scoring in the 21st minute when he finished a rebound from a Christian Huelsman shot. He added his second of the game with 2:30 left in the first half off of a Ryan Smith free kick to take us into halftime leading 2-0.

Bascom finished the hat trick in the 66th minute when he finished a beautiful shot from 18 yards out off an assist from Chet Capczynksi.

With less than 5 minutes left in the game, Wheaton pressured us by scoring a goal off of a shot from 18 yards out after a corner. Our defense was able to hold the potent Wheaton offense the rest of the game. Chet Gapczynksi's hustle play with less than 5 seconds left in the match was icing on the cake as he chipped the keeper from 40 yards out to make the score 4-1 with 2.2 seconds on the clock.

In the earlier game of the first round, Carroll College overcame a strong Wittenberg side 3-2 to move on to the round of 32.

We face off against Carroll on Saturday at 6:00pm at Wheaton.

After tonights game, we have scored a total of 66 goals and a goals against avergae of .71.

Thank you to all of those that came to Wheaton to support us! See you tomorrow night!

D.U.E.

Goals vs. Wheaton

Coach's Corner

2008-11-13T07:16:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,

First, I want to thank everyone who has supported ONU Men's Soccer - not only this season but all seasons. Whether you played or coached for ONU, had a son play for ONU, or are just a friend of the program, we couldn't have done this without you. We are very fortunate and blessed to be able to represent what you have worked so hard to make successful. We remind our players daily about the sacrifices that everyone has made that came before them to get us to where we are today. I wish you could be putting a uniform on tomorrow night at Wheaton. Heck, I wish I was putting on a uniform also.

It's been a fun season. We always have high expectations when we start a season, and this season was no exception. We expected to be here. Our players and coaching staff have worked many hours to win an OAC championship and to represent the OAC in the NCAA Tournament. But, we are excited about the opportunity that is in front of us.

If you can't make it to the games this weekend, they will be shown live at: http://www.wheaton.edu/wetn/ They will also have live stats during the game also.

Go Polar Bears!

Dancing again!

2008-11-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

The bracket for the 2008 NCAA Div. III men's soccer nationial tournament has been released and it has us facing off against Wheaton College of Illinois on Friday at Wheaton College.

Wheaton is a quality program who finished their season on Friday with a record of 15-3-3 by beating Carthage 4-3 in PK's after regulation ended tied 0-0.

The other teams that will be competing at Wheaton College this weekend are Wittenberg and Carroll University of Wisconsin.

For a complete bracket of this year's NCAA tournament click here.

OAC Champs!

2008-11-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

We won the OAC tournament this afternoon by beating Marietta College 3-0. The tournament championship is only the second in the history of our program, the first coming in 2006 when we won the OAC regular season, OAC tournament, and made it to the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament.

The scoring started in the 6th minute when Nate Bascom sent a cross headed for Jimmy Matuszak but a Marietta defender knocked the ball in his own net to make the score 1-0. In the 36th minute, Bascom scored his 13th goal of the season when he hit a shot from 18 yards out that deflected off of the Marietta keeper's hands and in (assisted by Chaz McCullah).

Even though we went into halftime up 2-0, we knew Marietta wouldn't give up. Therefore we had to stay focused. The second half was up and down the field and both sides created great chances, however great defense by both sides haulted those attacks before they produced a goal. In the 78th minute we broke the second half deadlock when bascom crossed the ball to Huelsman whose initial shot hit off the post. He was able to beat the Marietta defender to the rebound to put us up 3-0.

The shutout is our 12th of the season and a new school record (contrary to a previous post), lowering our goals against average to .69. We also set a new single season win record with 17.

With the win, we automatically qualify for the NCAA tournament. The date, time, and location of the opening round will be determined on Monday and can be found on www.NCAA.com.

Thank you to all that came out to support us at today's game and throughout the season. We look forward to your continued support in the NCAA tournament. Thank you!

D.U.E.

Bears move on to OAC finals

2008-11-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

We beat John Carroll this afternoon 5-1 to move on to the OAC finals.

Dustin Connor (Lodi/Cloverleaf) started the scoring for us when he flicked in the opening goal off of a Nate Bascom throw in less than four minutes into the game. We pulled ahead 2-0 when Nate Bascom finished a beautiful shot from 20 yards out off of a Chet Gapczynksi assist in the 36th minute. Our lead was cut in half when a weak pass back to keeper Aaron Collins gave a JCU forward an easy chip in the 41st minute. Going into halftime the lead was 2-1.

The second half was an offensive barrage. Nate Bascom got on the scoresheet for the second time in the game when he finished a pass from Chaz McCullah in the 73rd minute to make it 3-1. Fifty-two seconds later our lead grew to 4-1 when Christian Huelsman scored off of a double-assist from Bascom and Corrado. Adam Ross rounded out the scoring for us in the 78th minute from a Nate Bascom pass.

Our defense this afternoon was solid, only giving up one goal to a very talented JCU team. We have now given up 16 goals in 22 games which makes our goals against average .73 for the season.

In the other OAC semi final this afternoon, Marietta beat Capital in overtime to make it to the OAC final. Therefore, since we are the higher seed, we will be hosting the OAC final on Saturday at a time to be determined (depending on the result of the ONU women's match tomorrow).

D.U.E.

Bears advance to semi's, beat Musky 3-0

2008-11-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

We beat Muskingum this afternoon at the ONU Soccer Field to move on to the OAC tournament semi finals for the second straight season.

The first half ended 0-0 after both teams played solid defense. Halfway through the first half, however, we thought we caught a break when Chrstian Huelsman's shot from outside 18 yards slammed off the post and was cleared by the Musky backline. Later in the half, Jimmy Matuszak put away a header inside 6 yards but the goal was called back for a foul.

In the second half, some offensive adjustments helped us dominate possession. Our break came in the 57th minute when Nate Bascom finished a rebound off of a Huelsman shot and a Dan Shade cross. Twelve minutes later, Chaz McCullah finished a rebound off of a Chet Gapczynski shot and a Huelsan pass to give us the 2-0 advantage. To round out the scoring, Greg Stawicki slotted the ball past the Musky keeper off an assist from Bascom in the 85th minute.

The shutout today marks our 11th shutout of the season which breaks the previous record of 10 in 2006. Our goals against average is now .714.

We travel to John Carroll on Wednesday for a 2:00pm match. The other semi final will take place in Bexley at Capital where the Crusaders will battle Marietta for a chance to play in the OAC final. Marietta beat Heidelberg today 4-1 in the other quarter final.

D.U.E.

Bears clinch 3rd seed with 3-0 win

2008-10-31T19:28:00.000-07:00

We clinched the 3rd seed in the OAC tournament with a 3-0 win over a very talented Marietta team this afternoon in Marietta, Ohio.

We were pretty much already in the tournament going into today's game, however we knew we needed the victory today to build some confidence going into next week.

Jimmy Matuszak started the scoring with a goal in the 10th minute of action after finishing a rebound from a Nate Bascom header. Later in the half, a Marietta player was sent off after his second yellow card of the afternoon. The first half would finish 1-0 in which we outshot Marietta 8-7.

We came out for the second half pressing hard to try to put the game away. Our break came a little over halfway through the half when a mixup in the Marietta backline gave senior Adam Ross a breakaway in which he chipped the keeper from 18 yards out to give us the 2-0 advantage in the 73rd minute. Less than four minutes later, Ross was taken down in the box on yet another breakaway and a penalty kick was called. Ross stepped up and calmly placed the ball into the upper corner of the net.

The ONU defense played a solid game holding Marietta scoreless with only 13 shots. The ONU defense was led by seniors Ryan Smith, Ben Jackson, and Aaron Collins. With the shutout, our 10th of the season, our goals against average falls to .75.

The win this afternoon gives this years seniors the most wins of any ONU men's soccer class ever. Congratulations!

We will play on Monday at home at 2:00pm vs. Muskingum.

D.U.E.

ONU drops second straight

2008-10-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

We lost 2-1 at the hands of Wilmington College last night to become 13-5-1 overall and 4-3-1 in the OAC.

Freshman Nate Bascom started the games scoring in the 5th minute of action by slipping the ball past the Wilmington keeper off of a through ball by fellow freshman Christian Huelsman.

The scored remained 1-0 throughout the rest of the first half until a Wilmington cross skipped across the ONU box where a Wilmington player was waiting to make it 1-1 25 seconds before halftime.

Despite giving up the late goal, we came out attacking and on the offensive. We pressed the whole second half for the second goal but some unlucky bounces and some great saves by the Wilmington keeper kept them in the game. Then, in the 81st minute, Wilmington hit a shot from outside 18 yards that skipped awkwardly and went in off the hand of Aaron Collins. The late goal would prove to be enough as we didn't have the fire power to equalize. We outshot Wilmington 25-2 in the second half and 32-12 for the game.

This now puts us in 3rd place overall in the conference. We have not yet clinched a spot in the OAC tournament, so the games on Friday and Saturday this weekend are huge. We could finish anywhere from a 3rd to 7th place.

We travel to Marietta on Friday for a 4:00pm match. Marietta is currently fourth in the OAC and looking for their second straight win after beating Mount Union last night 2-1.

D.U.E.

Bears lose 1-0 to Otterbein College

2008-10-25T13:51:00.001-07:00

We dropped our second game of the OAC this afternoon to Otterbein College 1-0.

Otterbein scored halfway through the first half to go up 1-0 and the score stayed the same the rest of the game.

During the second half, Ben Jackson had a goal called back for fouling the Otterbein keeper.

We had countless opportunities to tie the game in the second half, but some bad luck and a few great saves by the Otterbein keeper kept them on top.

It was also Senior Day for the ONU Men's Soccer team as we honored our eight seniors and their parents. Our seniors are Ryan Smith, Ben Jackson, Colin Schroeder, Trevor Baron, Aaron Collins, Geoff Smith, Ben Tarkany, and Adam Ross. We would again like to thank our seniors and their families for their dedication to ONU Men's Soccer.

We travel to Wilmington on Tuesday for a 7:00 kickoff.

D.U.E.

Bears beat Heidelberg on record setting afternoon

2008-10-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

We played a tough Heidelberg team this afternoon at the ONU Soccer Field.

We came out weak in the first half and did not control the game as we had hoped. Heidelberg played tough defense and we couldn't get a good chance on goal. The half ended 0-0 after both teams played solid defense.

The second half was a scoring barrage as five total goals were scored. We struck first just 19 seconds into the second half when senior Adam Ross tucked home a nice cross from Nate Bascom who dribbled past three Heidelberg defenders before laying it off.

Less than three minutes later a mixup in our box gave Heidelberg an open volley from inside 18 yards and an easy equaliser.

The next three goals all came from Huelsman. He scored in the 70th, 76th, and 81st minute of of assists from Ross, Bascom, and Stawicki respectively.

Huelsman's etched his name in the record books with his hat trick this afternoon. Now sitting at 14 goals, Huelsman is the record holder for most goals in a freshman season. Huelsman passed Brent Ridenour who held the previous record of 13.

The ONU defense played another solid game only allowing their 12th goal of the season. Their goals against average is now .71.

We take on Otterbein this Saturday at the ONU Soccer Field on Senior Day. Kickoff is at 2pm.

D.U.E.

Bears tie JCU 1-1

2008-10-20T06:35:00.001-07:00

We played a tough game on Saturday in University Heights and came out with a tie against John Carroll University.

Even though we played poorly in the first half, we were up 1-0 going into halftime off of a Christian Huelsman goal assisted by Chaz McCullah and Geoff Smith in the 41st minute.

After halftime we came out strong and started to control the game, creating many chances for ourselves but we just couldn't finish them. This would come back to haunt us as JC scored in the 82nd minute to tie the game 1-1.

Aaron Collins played a great game in goal for us. Collins saved three breakaways and had six saves total on the night.

We play Heidelberg at home on Wednesday at 4pm. See you there!

D.U.E.

Coach's Corner

2008-10-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well, we're 75% through our 2008 season. Where did the time go? It's hard to believe we only have 5 games remaining in our regular season. But, so far it's been a really fun ride and I can't wait to enjoy the last 5 OAC games.

Our seniors have really stepped up and have become great leaders for our team, and everyone else is also showing up every day to play as hard as possible. I was proud of the way we came back after our tough loss on Saturday night at Mount Union. Playing on Tuesday against a nationally ranked Baldwin-Wallace didn't give us much time to think about the loss and it didn't take long for us to take out our frustrations from Saturday's game (as we scored 3 goals in the first half). We travel to John Carroll on Saturday which should be a fun game for us. The field, stadium, and atmosphere is always great, and we're looking forward to the challenge.

I didn't think it was possible for our conference to have more parity, but I think this season has proven that on any given day, anything can happen in our conference. There really aren't any "upsets" anymore in the OAC. On one hand, it's frustrating to know that there are no easy wins in the OAC anymore, however, on the other hand, it sure does make things fun and exciting to know that you're playing in the best conference in the Midwest.

Please note that our banquet date and a few other important dates have been added to our schedule on the left side of the blog. And, as always, thanks to everyone for all of the support you give us, and a big thank you to Coach Zach Huffman for updating the blog.

Bears are back on track with 4-0 win over #20 Baldwin-Wallace

2008-10-14T17:49:00.001-07:00

After a tough loss on Saturday to Mount Union in double OT, we were determined to prove we were still in the hunt for the OAC title when we played #20 Baldwin-Wallace this afternoon.

Adam Ross started off the scoring in the 16th minute when he finished an unassisted shot side net, his fourth of the season.

Freshman Greg Stawicki didn't waste any time getting involved himself when he finished a through ball from Ross (team-leading sixth assist) less than 30 seconds later in the 17th minute of action, his third of the season.

Stawicki helped with the third goal before halftime when he was taken down from behind in the BW box. Fellow freshman and former Wellington teammate Christian Huelsman stepped up and finished the penalty kick in the 33rd minute.

After some BW pressure at the beginning of the second half, Dan Schade rounded out the scoring for the afternoon when he finished a beautiful ball from Chet Gapczynski in the 76th minute with the outside of his left foot (much to the amusement of the ONU bench).

The ONU defense returned to it's shutout ways with the 4-0 shutout of the Yellow Jackets this afternoon. Our goals against average is now at .67.

Junior goalkeeper Aaron Collins secured the shutout for the Bears by playing a solid game between the pipes.

The Bears will travel to University Heights on Saturday to take on John Carroll at 2pm.

D.U.E.

Bears fall to Mount Union 1-0 in double OT

2008-10-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

We dropped our first OAC game tonight 1-0 at the hands of Mount Union in double overtime in Alliance.

The whole game was a defensive battle and, unfortunately, we came out the losers.

We could have been down 1-0 in regulation but Adam Ross cleared the ball off of our goal line after a great hustle play.

In the second half, we scored a goal off of a free kick but the goal was called back because of offsides.

All in all the game was very even. Both defenses were solid and it was the team that finished one of their few chances that came out on top.

We are now 2-1-0 in the OAC and will take on Baldwin-Wallace on Tuesday at 4:00 at the ONU Soccer Field.

D.U.E.

Bears top Capital to become 2-0-0 in the OAC

2008-10-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

We became 2-0-0 in the OAC tonight (11-2-0 overall) after beating Capital, the 2007 OAC regular season champs, 1-0.

The goal came in the 18th minute of action as Christian Huelsman played a beautiful driven cross in front of the Capital net where fellow freshman Nate Bascom was in the right place at the right time for a nice finish. The goal is Bascom's eighth of the season and Huelsman's assist is his fourth on the year.

After halftime, we came out firing and had several opportunities to put the game away. Christian Huelsman hit a rocket from 12 yards out on the right side that slammed off the post and away from the Capital goal. Later in the half, Bascom was inside 12 yards and had a chance for his second of the game only to be denied by a fantastic save by the Capital keeper.

The ONU offense was hitting on all cylinders today, outshooting the Crusaders 23-14. Luckily, Bascom's goal would prove to be enough and we held on to the 1-0 lead the rest of the game.

The Bears were solid on defense this afternoon earning their eighth shutout of the season, dropping their goals against average to .69. Aaron Collins had the shutout in goal.

We are back in action on Saturday at Mount Union for a 7:00 kickoff.

D.U.E.

Chris Corrado. Take 1...take 2...take 3...

1-0-0 in the OAC

2008-10-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Bears became 10-2-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the OAC this afternoon as they defeated the Muskies of Muskingum College 3-1 on Parents' Day at the ONU Soccer Field.

A mix up in the Muskingum penalty box started the scoring as the ball bounced off of a Musky defender for an own goal in the 32nd minute. The play started from Ryan Smith who made a great run forward from the back line.

The game would remain 1-0 until the second half when sophomore Chaz McCullah slotted a through ball to Nate Bascom who finished it past the keeper from 12 yards out for his sixth of the year in the 61st minute. Bascom would add his seventh of the year in the 85th minute after a Christian Huelsman corner.

ONU gave up only their ninth goal of the year in the 88th minute.

Despite giving up the late goal, the ONU defense played solid today, only allowing 8 total shots. ONU's goals against average after today's game becomes .75.

Before today's game the parents were recognized for their dedication and hard work in the lives of their sons. THANK YOU PARENTS!

We travel to Bexley on Wednesday (contrary to what I say in Colin's video below) to take on Capital at 4pm.

Thank you to all who came out to support us today!

D.U.E.

THANK YOU PARENTS!

Senior Defender Colin Schroeder

A Day in the Life of Ben Jackson

2008-10-02T12:26:00.001-07:00

Senior defender Ben Jackson carried our video camera around for a day. Check out the video below to see how Ben spends a typical day at Ohio Northern and as a member of the Ohio Northern men's soccer team.

Enjoy!

D.U.E.

ONU downs Defiance 9-0

2008-10-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

It was an offensive showcase Tuesday afternoon when the Bears defeated Defiance College 9-0 at the ONU Soccer Field.

Nate Bascom started the scoring off in the 3rd minute off an assist from sophomore Chaz McCullah. In the 7th minute, Christian Huelsman scored an unassisted goal straight from a corner kick. In the 31st minute, senior Geoff Smith would add his third goal of the season off an assist from Dan Schade. Seven minutes later in the 38th minute, senior Adam Ross would also add his third of the season, assisted by Geoff Smith, to make it 4-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Huelsman scored his team-leading ninth of the season by heading in a loose ball just five yards out from goal in the 47th minute. Four more goals would follow in the second half by Jimmy Matuszak, Greg Stawicki, Geoff Smith, and Jeff Kucera.

The ONU defense earned its 7th shutout of the season, lowering the team goals against average to .73.

The Bears open OAC play on Saturday when they host Muskingum College for a 2pm match.

As always, LiveStats will be available thanks to the ONU Sports Information department for the Saturday's game.

D.U.E.

Coach's Corner

2008-09-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

First, let me thank our fans for all of the support this season. We have had great crowds at our home games, and just as many fans for the away games (especially our game at Ohio Wesleyan last week). And, thank you to everyone who continues to visit the blog (we've had close to 1,000 hits in the past 3 weeks!!).

It's halftime of the regular season..10 games completed...10 to go. We've had so many highlights already this season, that I can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds.

After losing at home in the final game of the OAC-MIAA Shootout, we bounced back in our only game of last week and defeated Ohio Wesleyan 1-0 at their place. It was the first time in history that ONU soccer went to OWU and defeated them. And, we are now on a 2 game winning streak vs. the national powerhouse...and 2-2-2 in the last 6. Christian Huelsman received a pass from Colin Schroeder and hit a shot that skipped under the OWU keeper. However, the play of the game occurred 45 seconds earlier as the Bears defense came up BIG. The video is below.

We take on Defiance at home on Tuesday in our last non-conference game of the season. We will use this game to continue to improve and prepare for the important OAC season which begins next Saturday at home vs. Muskingum (2pm). Our defense is playing it's best soccer, and our attack is starting to get used to playing without All OAC forward Dan Otanicar (lost for the season with an ACL injury). We are excited to get to the OAC, and are playing our best soccer of the year.

Thanks again for all of your support of ONU Men's Soccer!!

Coach Ridenour

Goals from California

2008-09-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Below you will find a video of our five goals that we scored during our trip to California earlier in September. A VERY big thanks to Mr. Ridenour for catching these goals on film! Thank you!

Enjoy!

D.U.E.

Goals from California

ONU improves to 8-2-0 with win over Ohio Wesleyan

2008-09-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

Christian Huelsman's lone goal in the second half proved to be enough as the Bears beat Ohio Wesleyan for the second consecutive season.

After both teams demonstrated great team defense in the first half, it ended 0-0 despite Nate Bascom hitting the post from 20 yards out. After the break, both teams came out physical, tackling hard for every loose ball.

The Bears received a bit of a scare from the OWU offense just after the 50 minute mark. An OWU forward hit a shot which Aaron Collins made a great save on, however the follow up shot was headed for the back of the net when Brendan Crowley cleared it off the line, the next shot was then cleared off the line by post-man Ryan Smith. Great team defense kept us in the game.

In the 54th minute came the break for the Bears when Huelsman took a pass from Colin Schroeder into the box, cut it back and ripped a left footed shot from 12 yards out through the hands of the OWU keeper.

The Bears were able to hold on for the rest of the game to preserve the victory over a very talented Ohio Wesleyan team.

Keeper Aaron Collins played an outstanding game between the pipes for the Bears making 9 saves on the night.

"It was a great game in a fun atmosphere and I'm proud of the way we came back from Saturday's tough loss," according to Coach Ridenour.

With the win, the Bears improve to 8-2-0 on the season. With the shutout, the Bears lowered their goals against average to .8. Great team defense was the key to the shutout tonight.

The Bears have a much needed break this weekend before facing off against Defiance College at 4:00 on Tuesday at the ONU Soccer Field.

Friday we will be experimenting with a new post idea entitled "A Day In The Life..." in which we will give the camera to a current player who will keep a video diary of his day. Be sure to check the blog Friday evening for that post!

D.U.E.

Player Spotlight: Ryan Smith

2008-09-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Name: Ryan Smith
Year: Senior
High School: Miamisburg
Hometown: Miamisburg, OH
Club: Ohio Galxies FC
Position: Defender
Season stats so far: 2 assists
Most notable accomplishments: OAC Co-Defender of the Year - 2006, All-OAC 1st Team - 2006, 2007, NSCAA 2nd Team All-Region 2006, 2007

Ryan is a native of Miamisburg, Ohio which is just south of Dayton. Ryan has been a four year varsity player and one of the toughest defenders in the region for 4 years. According to Coach Ridenour, "Ryan has been an exceptional player for ONU men's soccer, and has been a great role model for everyone in our program."

Off of the field, Ryan is an exceptional student as well. Ryan is a regular on the Dean's List at Ohio Northern, despite his major of Biology/Pre-Med. After graduation, Ryan plans to go to medical school and become a physician.

In his free time, Ryan enjoys soccer, playing the piano, and reading.

Ryan Smith - Senior Defender