Scots Steal Win in NCAC Opener

The College of Wooster men's soccer team and Oberlin College played almost evenly on Saturday, but it was the Scots who came out on top with a late goal for a 3-2 win.

The two teams spent about 40 minutes tied at 2-2 until senior Walker Johnson scored off a rebound in the 81st minute.

Sophomore Griffin Thornton had a chance right before, but his shot hit the post, and after some jockeying for position, it was Johnson who got the ball across the line.

Wooster was able to hold off Oberlin's attack in the final 10 minutes to collect the win in the North Coast Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

It was an electrifying start with Wooster taking advantage and capturing a lead just 1:45 into the game. Mason Garza produced a quick throw-in to Max Wiley who caught the Oberlin defense sleeping, finding Elliot Miller open in front of the net for the score.

However, Oberlin scored just 1:11 later via a goal from Anthony Pacewicz.

In the 19th minute, Wooster let one get away as a free kick from Carlos Febles-Flores slipped through keeper Andrew Beazley's hands to give Oberlin a 2-1 advantage.

While not as quick as Oberlin's counter, Wooster was able to tie it up before the half in the 33rd minute when Wiley found the back of the net for the second time this season. The assist came from Ioannis Aristodemou.

Beazley got the hard-fought win in an important NCAC matchup, making five saves in 90 minutes.

Wooster (6-4-1, 1-0 NCAC) outshot Oberlin (4-6-1, 0-1) 16-13. Yet, Oberlin took eight corner kicks to Wooster's one.

Up next, the Scots will travel to Hiram College on Wednesday.