Men's Soccer Earns Come From Behind Victory to Open Season at IU-East

(Easton, OH)-- After going down a goal in the first half, the Cleary Cougar men's soccer team scored twice to open their season with a 2-1 victory over the IU-East Red Wolves Saturday afternoon.

Cleary started the game off on the right foot, and definitely had the better chances in the opening minutes, but were unable to break through.  The Red Wolves would grow back into the game, thanks partially to a temporary spell where Cleary had to play down a man for approximately ten minutes due to an injury.  The Red Wolves would threaten, but the Cougar defense led by goalie Austin Freemire, was up to the task.  A golden opportunity for the Cougars later in the half saw newcomer Atario Brown free on goal, but the Red Wolves goalie made a kick-save to keep the Cougars off the board.  That save propelled IU-East down the field, where they drew a handball in the Cougar penalty area, forcing a penalty kick.  Noah Backhaus stepped up for the Red Wolves and converted to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.  Two minutes later, Jack Heald drew a foul in the Red Wolves penalty area after being pushed down from behind on a long throw.  Heald would step up to take the ensuing penalty, and converted, to tie the game at 1-1 late in the first half.

Minutes into the second half, Adam Baldwin forced a Red Wolves turnover, where the ball found Atario Brown.  Brown passed to Felix Ardnt who was streaking up the left side, who fired a shot on goal.  It was saved, but trickled through the goalkeeper's hands, where Niels Koert was waiting to put it in the net, giving the Cougars a 2-1 advantage.  Cleary would have more of the possession and the opportunities down the stretch, but both defenses would keep the other from scoring, and the game would end with a 2-1 final score.

Austin Freemire made 1 save on 2 shots on goal to earn the victory.  The goal for Jack Heald was his fifth career goal for the Cougars, while Niels Koert's goal was his first for CU.  Cleary outshot the Red Wolves 15-3, held an 8-1 advantage on corner kicks, and forced 8 saves from the IU-East goalkeeper.

The Cougars will be back in action on Monday, August 25, when they travel to St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana to play the Pomeroys of SMWC.  Kick-off is set for 12:00 PM ET.