Senior goalkeeper Clayton Combe held #5 Ohio Wesleyan scoreless for 70 minutes of action

October 11, 2006 -- Oberlin's men's soccer squad visited Ohio Wesleyan University this evening for a North Coast Athletic Conference showdown. Under the lights and in front of a large crowd in Delaware, Ohio, the Yeomen held fifth-ranked Ohio Wesleyan scoreless for the first 70:54 of play. The Battling Bishops rallied for two goals in the middle of the second half, though, to earn a 2-0 conference win. Oberlin's record now stands at 5-4-4 (2-2-1 NCAC) after the defeat, while Ohio Wesleyan remained undefeated to improve to 9-0-2 (3-0-1 NCAC).

The first half of the game was played relatively even, as Oberlin tallied five shots and Ohio Wesleyan registered nine. The Bishops had two corners in the opening period, compared to the Yeomen's one. In the second half, though, Ohio Wesleyan found its rhythm and accumulated 17 shots and four corner kicks en route to scoring twice. Oberlin fell victim to mother nature in the second half, as extremely heavy winds made it difficult for the squad to move the ball downfield. Head Coach Blake New had elected to go against the wind in the first half, planning on utilizing the wind advantage in the finale; however, at the intermission, the winds suddenly shifted and allowed the hosts to have a huge edge in the second period.

Goalkeeper Clayton Combe (Sr.) and New's defense proved to be a tough challenge for the Bishops, who are the top-ranked team in the Great Lakes Region. In 90 minutes of work, Combe saved eight shots.

Oberlin will return home for its next game by hosting The College of Wooster on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The Fighting Scots will be another strong opponent for the Yeomen, as they are currently 8-2-1 overall and 2-1-1 in NCAC competition.

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