Women's Soccer scores early, hangs on for 1-0 victory at Capital

By Tim Glon

BEXLEY -- Freshman Anna Niemeyer scored in the 11th minute and Ohio Northern held on from there to post a 1-0 victory at Capital in Ohio Athletic Conference women's soccer action Saturday morning at Bernlohr Stadium.

The Polar Bears improve to 7-6-1 overall and 3-2 in the OAC, while the Crusaders fall to 10-4-1, 3-1-1.

Northern had outstanding offensive pressure in the first 18 minutes and got on the board with 10:26 gone in the match on Niemeyer's goal.

After a long run flanked by two CU defenders, Niemeyer beat the goalie to the far post from just inside the penalty area for her team-leading fifth goal of the season.

Northern then held off a strong Capital push in the final 20 minutes of the half to hold its 1-0 lead into intermission.

The second half was much of the same, as the Crusaders kept heavy pressure on for the better part of 30 minutes.

But Northern's defense did a good job of not allowing many dangerous scoring opportunities despite the pressure.

An outstanding save in the 89th minute by junior goalkeeper Emily Brodict thwarted the last of CU's attacks and ONU was able to run out the clock and secure the win.

"This was a great effort by our young team," ONU head coach Mark Batman said. "Capital is a very good team and they did a great job of pressuring us in the second half. I was very proud of the way we kept our composure and handled the storm. We showed poise and Emily made a great save late in the match and we were able to hold on."

CU out-shot ONU 18-10 in the match, including a 10-1 advantage in the second half. 

The Polar Bears will return to action Tuesday afternoon at 4 pm at Heidelberg.