PHOTO GALLERY

WESTERVILLE, Ohio - Otterbein fought for a goal in the 89th minute to close out even (1-1) against Ohio Northern inside Memorial Stadium. The Cardinals added another tie onto their conference record sitting 0-0-2 , and Ohio Northern sits 1-0-1 thanks to its previous victory over Mount Union last Saturday. The Cards applied continuous pressure on a strong Ohio Northern defense, managing a goal with a minute remaining in the contest.

WHAT WENT DOWN:

• Both the Polar Bears and Cardinals remained in a stalemate for the first half, both firing off four shots that didn't manage to convert into goals. 
   
• After intermission Ohio Northern struck first in the 53rd minute thanks to Levi King and Bryan Kern. Strong ball movement up the field created an opening for Kern to play a pass through the Cardinal defense. A well-positioned King played a one-touch just past Casey Thompson on the right side of the net.
   
• Ohio Northern nearly came out with a second goal multiple times. The Polar Bears scored another goal quickly after their first, but a foul on Otterbein's Thompson stripped the point off the board for the Polar Bears. Kellen Minch found himself in a one-on-one with Thompson and played a ball just out of reach in the 78th minute. A would-be goal was saved mere inches from the line thanks to defender Hayden Vu, who slid in and narrowly kicked the ball out of play.
   
• Despite trailing by a goal the Cardinals pressed on for the remainder of the half. Otterbein made a defining push with 10 minutes to go, managing three shots before finally finding the back of the net in the 89th minute. Senior Gabe Sharrock earned credit for the goal, with the assist going to Luke Crockett. The Cards quickly worked the ball from the half-field line to the outside corner towards an open Crockett, who then crossed the ball into play. Sharrock was crashing nearside and found the ball even with the front post, and with one swift swing found the back of the net. 

NOTABLE FACTS:

• Thompson was forced to make seven total saves on the night, while Ohio Northern keeper Lucas Hickey only had to make three.
   
• Otterbein out-shot the Polar Bears 12-11 but, despite the Cards earning one more shot, Ohio Northern landed nine shots on frame compared to Otterbein's three.
   
• The competitive contest produced a combined total of 25 fouls. Otterbein walked away with one yellow card, while Ohio Northern went home with zero.
   
• Sharrock becomes a repeat goal scorer against the Polar Bears, scoring the game-winner in last season's OAC semifinal contest against Ohio Northern.

UP NEXT: 

The Cardinals will look for their first conference win while continuing play at home, hosting Muskingum inside Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.