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WESTERVILLE, Ohio- After a week of rest the Otterbein University men's soccer team returned to action at home hosting Transylvania University. The Cards used a strong second half to help propel themselves over the visiting Pioneers, 3-0.

The first half was a back and forth affair that saw both teams fail to convert on quality scoring opportunities. The Cardinals (3-2) began the match slow looking to get a feel for the Pioneers (2-3) and their fast pace of play. Starting in his first match of the season senior goalkeeper Collin Hoffmann was called upon early to keep the Pioneers off the board when a shot nearly ricocheted in before Hoffmann was able to swipe the ball out to keep the score locked at zero.

The Cards used momentum from Hoffman's athletic save to fire off three consecutive shots, including one on frame from Kennedy Mensah where Pioneer keeper Michael Kline was able to stand tall. The strong goalkeeping kept the game in a dead lock as the game hit the half.

Otterbein seemingly found their legs in the second half and struck fast at 48:36 when speedy Kennedy Mensah was able to sprint past his defender using his left foot to finish far post across the face of the Pioneer keeper Kline.

The momentum stayed with the Cards as they were able to find the back of the net once again in the 52nd minute when Tiger Pham sent a rocket free kick into the lower right corner from 20 yards out, giving the Cards a 2-0 advantage. Kyle Haberkorn capped off the Cardinal scoring outburst in the 66th minute using a nice move to dribble past is defender and finish low and away.

Collin Hoffmann played 80 minutes in net for Otterbein making eight saves before he was replaced by Jack Wallberg, who came on to make two saves of his own.

The Cardinals were out shot by the Pioneers 15-11, and trailed in possession, but used strong goalie play to get back in the win column.  

The Cardinals will return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Ohio Wesleyan, game time set for 7 p.m.