ANGOLA, Ind -  The Otterbein Men's Soccer team took a nice road win (2-0) at Trine in yet another physical matchup between emerging non-conference-rivals Saturday afternoon, scoring once in both halves to create separation.
 
SETTING THE STAGE:
 

• Trine and Otterbein started their competitive campaign only a year ago, meeting twice within the fall, once during the regular season and again in the postseason.
   
• The first meeting took place during Otterbein's Homecoming weekend last year, with the Cards coming out on top 2-0.
   
• Otterbein then hosted the Thunder (MIAA champs) again in a rugged rematch during the first round of the NCAA Tournament, ending in another Cardinal victory.

 
HOW THIS WENT DOWN:

• Physicality seemsto be a common component between these two teams, and that showed during the third installment as well as a combined 25 fouls were whistled.
   
• Both teams took the first half to feel each other out, with the score almost remaining even into halftime, until the Cardinals put a score on the board with under two minutes left.
   
• In the 43rd minute, Otterbein capitalized off a free kick taken by Mark Wischmeyer right off the midfield line. Joshua Conroy put a head on the incoming ball, which just crept over Trine's Aidan McGonagle's hands. Hovering right in front of the goal, Nathan Neal came crashing into the fray to ensure the ball reached the back of the net.
   
• Trying to keep the momentum going after intermission, Otterbein continued to hold down the line defensively while pushing forward. Success quickly came with the pressure when Gabe Sharrock squeezed a shot just out of reach of the Thunder keeper during a breakaway. An assist was rewarded to Matt Hinkle, who placed the ball in aperfect spot for Sharrock to put his speed to work.
   
• Trine earned two corner kicks with under two minutes to go, but couldn't quite manage to put one up on the board as Otterbein posted the shutout.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Three yellow card were issues in the match, including both goalkeepers being charged.
   
• Otterbein finished with a 15-10 shot advantage, including a 10-2 margin in the first half.
   
• Both keepers, McGonagle and Casey Thompson, each made six saves between the pipes.

 
UP NEXT:

• Otterbein will have a full week off before traveling up to Case Western Reserve next weekend.