09-02-06MSOC

Heidelberg And Oberlin Battle To Scoreless Stalemate

Freshman goalie Brian Periman records clean slate in first collegiate start

Neither team could find the back of the net on a rainy Saturday afternoon as the Heidelberg College and Oberlin College men's soccer teams battled to a 0-0 tie.

The rain and wind started just before gametime and did not relinquish until the second overtime. Both teams had trouble finding their footing as the Berg only had one shot on goal in the first half. The Yeoman could only manage two shots, one of which was on goal.

Each team had their chances in the second half, including a breakaway by Heidelberg senior Brent Kehrle ( Lexington, Ohio / Lexington). However, the Oberlin goalie made a nice diving stop to deny the Berg a scoring opportunity.

After a save by each team in the first overtime, play started to heat up in the second overtime as the rain came to an end. With more than seven minutes remaining, senior Samuel Sunseri (Hilliard, Ohio / Hilliard Darby) placed a cross to the middle of the goalie box. Sophomore Logan Camin (Beachwood, Ohio / Beachwood) got a head on the ball, but the Oberlin goalie grabbed the ball to prevent the game-winning goal.

The Yeomen mounted their own scoring attacks in the final minutes, but Heidelberg freshman goalie Brian Periman (Tucson , Ariz. / Sabino) held firm. On the first shot, Oberlin placed a through pass in the box which Periman cleared. Then Oberlin booted a shot from 25 yards out which Periman got a hand on to deflect the shot towards the crossbar.

In the game, Periman grabbed a total of seven saves while Oberlin goalie Clayton Combe pulled in four. Oberlin outshot Heidelberg 19-5, including 7-4 in shots on goal.

After the game, Heidelberg head coach Brian Haley summed up the weekend by saying, "We didn't play well overall and the hard contest against Wooster the day before took its toll with tired legs showing on some players. The real positive was that the freshmen stepped up and played with determination and grit that is needed in games. We were disappointed with our performance overall but showed character not to get beaten. It has been a good opening weekend in showing the potential we have and what we can build on."

Heidelberg returns to action Friday afternoon as they take part in the Ohio Northern Adidas Classic. Game time with the Tri-State Thunder is set for 3 p.m.