UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS — In a thrilling Ohio Athletic Conference showdown, the Otterbein men's soccer team outlasted conference leader John Carroll with a stunning late goal by senior Silver Abraham, securing a crucial 1-0 victory and moving closer to OAC Tournament qualification.

The Basics

• Records: Otterbein (9-6-2 overall, 5-3-0 OAC), John Carroll (12-4-2 overall, 6-2-0 OAC) 
• Venue: Don Shula Stadium - University Heights, Ohio

The Game

• After a hard-fought back-and-forth battle in the first half, neither team was able to score. John Carroll closed the first 45 minutes holding a 6-3 edge in shots, including 2-0 in shots on goal.
• The Cardinals were able to find a goal late in the game, finding the back of the net in the 72nd minute.  Abraham was able to break past four defenders to find the front right corner to score. Sophomore Luke Butzier initiated the play from the 35-yard line in Cardinal territory, finding Abraham with a well-placed pass. Abraham flicked the ball to junior Kasdin Hale, who kept the play alive.
• The Blue Streaks had eight shots on goal in the second half but were unable to score as the Cardinals clinched the 1-0 victory.
• Freshman Jason Villalobos played all 90 minutes in goal for Otterbein and recorded 10 saves in the shutout.

  Notables

• Abraham's goal was his second of the season and the 11th of his career. 
• Villalobos now has 10 shutouts on the season.
• John Carroll is now 16-3-2 against Otterbein dating back to 2008.
• The Cardinals are now in fifth place in the OAC standings. Ranked No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division III Region VII rankings, John Carroll dropped to third in the standings after entering the day tied for first with Mount Union. The top six teams qualify for next week's OAC Tournament, with the top two teams receiving first-round byes.
• In his eighth season with the program, Otterbein head coach Jason Griffiths now holds an overall record of 91-38-14.