Kieffer Hessler

WOOSTER, Ohio – A brace from Ohio Wesleyan University's Phoenix Neitzelt carried the Battling Bishops to a 2-1 win over The College of Wooster men's soccer team on Tuesday afternoon at Carl Dale Field.

Ohio Wesleyan (7-2-3, 2-0-2 North Coast Athletic Conference) drew first in the sixth minute after a deft chip from Neitzelt carried over Wooster goalkeeper Scot Stacho and into the far-post netting for a 1-0 lead.

The Fighting Scots (4-8-1, 1-3-0 NCAC) pressed high early on, playing directly with formidable chances coming off counter attacks.

Wooster drew level in the 12th minute after a through ball from senior Zachary Mastrich found first-year Max Rochester on the left flank, who took on his defender one-on-one before pinging a low-hit cross into the box for a one-touch finish from senior forward Kieffer Hessler.

The tally marked the third of the season for Hessler, who stands tied with sophomore Austin Russell for the team lead in goals.

Both squads continued with fast-paced, physical play, while the Bishops outshot the Scots 9-4 in the opening 45 minutes.

In the 64th minute, first-year Max Rochester nearly put Wooster ahead after an Ohio Wesleyan foul granted the Scots a free kick just outside the center of the box, but the well-paced attempt sailed just over the crossbar.

In the 70th minute, Ohio Wesleyan regained the lead, again coming off the foot of Neitzelt.

After a close-range shot from Kyle Baum hit off the post and back into play, teammate Nick Norman crashed on the ball before setting up Neitzelt inside the six-yard-box for the game-winner. 

Another dangerous free kick attempt for Wooster showed promise midflight, this time coming in the 81st minute as a curling hit from first-year Manny Burton got over the defensive wall, but continued wide and out of play.

Ohio Wesleyan outshot Wooster 17-8 on the day while winning the corner kick advantage 9-3.

Stacho finished with three saves.

The Scots return to on Saturday as they travel to Greencastle, Ind. for a 2:30 p.m. showdown against DePauw. University (6-3-2, 1-2-0 NCAC).