Ensign, Fisher Selected to Academic All-Conference Team
Written Nov. 24, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO –Senior defender Dan Ensign (Westerville/South) and junior midfielder Auggie Fisher (Dublin/Jerome) have been named to the Academic All-OAC Team, the conference office announced last week.

Ensign, a three-year starter at defender, was named to the All-Academic First Team. This past season, he totaled four assists while starting all 17 games. A Physical Science Education major, he has made the Otterbein Dean’s List five times. Ensign was named to the Academic All-OAC Honorable Mention team in 2007.

Fisher, a two-year starter at midfielder, was selected to the All-Academic Honorable Mention Team. This fall, he recorded two goals and one assist to finish third on the team in points. A Computer Science major, he also started all 17 games this season and has appeared on the Otterbein Dean’s List six times.

Cards Place Two on All-Conference Team
Written Nov. 12, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein senior defender R.J. Lindquist (Worthington/Kilbourne) was named to the All-OAC first team and sophomore midfielder Byron Horton (Worthington/Thomas Worthington) was selected to the All-OAC second team, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Lindquist, a four-year letterwinner, has started 53 of his 63 career games. An honorable mention all-conference pick last season, Lindquist has scored one goal on the season that came off a penalty kick against Denison. He was a crucial member of a defensive unit that finished second in the OAC in both goals allowed (21) and goals against average (1.14). Otterbein also ranked fourth in the conference by posting five shutouts.  

Horton, a two-year letterwinner, led the Cardinals in scoring this season by tallying 14 points (seven goals). He ranked ninth in the conference in goals per game (0.41) and contributed two game-winning goals, one of which upset conference champion Ohio Northern in Ada.

The men’s soccer team finished in a five-way tie for fourth place in the OAC this season, but were left out of the conference tournament due to tie-break scenarios.

Click here to view all men's soccer awards for the Ohio Athletic Conference.
 

Cardinals Battle Crusaders to Tie
Written Oct. 31, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (7-7-3, 4-4-1 OAC) tied Capital (13-4-1, 7-1-1 OAC) by a score of 2-2 on Friday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

Otterbein’s Byron Horton put the Cardinals on the board first when he converted a header at the 12:51 mark of the opening half giving his team a 1-0 lead.

Capital responded when Josh Thaboune lofted a shot over the Otterbein goalie’s head to tie the game in the 23^rd minute.

Neither team scored the remainder of the half as the game went into intermission locked at 1-1.

Kevin Doran put the Crusaders ahead at 2-1 when he found the back of the net at the 55:45 mark of the second half.

With time winding down, freshman Brandon Shepherd chipped in a shot from the top of the box that bounced into the goal off the left post in the 87^th minute, locking the game up once again at 2-2.

Both teams fought hard in two aggressive overtime sessions, but neither team was able to muster a goal.

Capital held a 21-16 shot advantage and also held an 11-3 edge on corner kicks.

Otterbein freshman/goalkeeper Alex Kamphaus had nine saves while Capital goalies John Snyder and Justin Bultman combined for six.

The Cardinals will now wait and see if they will earn a spot in the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament, set to begin on Monday.
 

Ensign, Fisher Named to ESPN The Magazine Academic Team
Written Oct. 30, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Dan Ensign, a senior from Westerville (Westerville South High School), and Auggie Fisher, a junior from Dublin (Jerome High School)  were named to the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV second team as selected by the College Sports Information Director’s of America (CoSIDA), released today by CoSIDA.

Ensign, a three-year starter at defender, has totaled four assists in 2008 and is making his second appearance on the All-District IV team. He is majoring in Physical Science Education and has made the Otterbein Dean’s List five times.

Fisher, a two-year starter at midfielder, has tallied two goals and one assist on the season, ranking him third on the team in points. He is majoring in Computer Science and has appeared on the Otterbein Dean’s List six times.

Academic All-District IV team members are selected through voting by CoSIDA, a 2,000-member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. District IV encompasses the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Otterbein, 7-7-2 overall, currently sits 5th in the Ohio Athletic Conference and plays first place Capital tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.
 

Senior Captain Leads By Example
Written Oct. 28, 2008 by Adam Prescott

Otterbein College senior defender Dan Ensign (Westerville/South) has been named the Ohio Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Month for November.

In its 11th year of existence, the OAC Scholar-Athlete award honors an exceptional student-athlete on a monthly basis. Criteria for the award consists of the student-athlete being of sophomore, junior, or senior status, competition in a sport that is in-season, sportsmanlike conduct and carrying at least a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

Ensign, a physical science education major, currently holds a 3.63 cumulative grade-point average and clearly understands the responsibilities of being a student-athlete.

A soon-to-be four-year letterman, Ensign has developed into a natural leader within the Otterbein men’s soccer program. Defenders can often be overlooked in soccer due to a lack of statistics, but it would be foolish for one to not appreciate the effect this senior has had on his collegiate team. According to his head coach, Ensign has contributed much more than the four assists listed in the statistics section.

“Dan sets high personal standards and exemplifies what we want Otterbein soccer to be about,” said Cardinal Head Coach Gerry D’Arcy. “In addition to being one of the fittest players on the team, he is responsible, punctual, reliable and committed to whatever will help the team. In these and other ways he is a great example for the underclassmen.”

It’s those traits that led to Ensign being selected as team captain for the 2008 season. However, while he will admit it is a true honor to hold that title, he is quick to point out the importance of his peers.

“My upperclassmen teammates have all shown the characteristics of good leaders, and their additions to the program are just as valuable as mine,” he said. “The only difference is that my leadership comes with a name and a captain’s armband.”

One of those upperclassmen is leading scorer Matt Beckett, Ensign’s close friend and roommate. Beckett has witnessed on a first-hand basis the type of leader his teammate has become.

“Dan is a very hard-working and dedicated leader,” explained Beckett. “He puts a lot of effort into keeping the team together and getting everyone on the same page.”

Ensign knows one important attribute of being a leader is to set examples and pass on advice to younger players.

“I’ve told the newcomers that you truly reap what you sew. Hard work in the off-season really pays off,” said Ensign. “I also tell the freshman that don’t play often or don’t travel to be patient and not get discouraged because a time will come when they are called upon. Four years goes by a lot quicker than many imagine, so I always emphasize giving 100% in order to not have any regrets.”

However, it has not always been easy for the hometown kid. With his career beginning to wind down, Ensign expressed the special appreciation and love he has for the game of soccer and how it has helped him fight through adversity.

“There were a lot of negative experiences within my family when I was growing up,” he explained. “Playing soccer has served as a release for me because when I’m playing in a game, all of my cares in the world are lifted off my shoulders for an hour and a half. Sports were very necessary for me growing up, as they were a way for me to get my mind off things.”

Ensign, who pays for his college tuition himself by working as many as three jobs at times when he is not in soccer season, carries such a positive attitude that many of his companions would never begin to think he has encountered any struggles.

“He is very friendly and welcoming to anyone he meets,” said Beckett. “No one has ever succeeded by having a negative outlook, and Dan has always been optimistic.”

His coach of four years couldn’t agree more.

“Dan is a very classy individual who relates and works well with others,” D’Arcy said. “I know that his professors hold high opinions of his mature approach to being a college student-athlete. His positive demeanor and work ethic represents our program well. I am so proud to have Dan be a part of our program.”

The positive outlook Ensign carries has helped him earn spots on the Honorable Mention All-Conference team as well as the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District team in 2007.

“The adversity my family faced has taught me not to dwell on smaller matters, he said. “I have been taught what the most important things are and how they need to be taken care of. I’ve seen my older sister, who had some of the hardest times in my family, fight through her struggles and succeed to such a great extent. She has been a great role model for me and has taught me what hard work really is.”

Ensign plans to graduate this spring and pursue a career in teaching and coaching.

“My coaches have been such role models for me to the point that it has influenced me to want to do the same,” he stated. “I want to keep in the competition and give back to kids the way my coaches have done for me.”

Chances are Ensign won’t have a problem making a positive impact on the lives he comes in contact with.
 

Otterbein Drops Road Contest at Muskingum
Written Oct. 28, 2008 by Adam Prescott

NEW CONCORD, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (7-7-2, 4-4 OAC) fell to Muskingum (6-10-1, 3-4-1 OAC) by a score of 3-0 on Tuesday afternoon.

Ian Stipes put Muskingum ahead 1-0 at the 33:38 mark of the opening half when he he took a pass from Paul Lafyatis and scored. Less than one minute later, Muskingum extended the lead to 2-0 when Morgan Brown knocked in a header off a cross.

The game headed into the break with the Muskies holding a 2-0 advantage.

Stipes added another goal in the 73rd minute to give his team a 3-0 lead and their third conference victory.

Muskingum held a 16-12 edge on total shots while attempting four corner kicks compared to just one for Otterbein.

Freshman/goalkeeper Alex Kamphaus, making his first collegiate start, tallied two saves. Starting goalkeeper David Dziedzicki did not start due to injury but did play the last 13 minutes of the game. Muskie goalie Matthew Seas stopped four shots between the posts.

The Cardinals next return home to host cross-town rival Capital on Friday for senior day. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
 

Horton's Goal Pushes Cardinals Past Ohio Northern
Written Oct. 25, 2008 by Adam Prescott

ADA, OHIO – Otterbein (7-6-2, 4-3 OAC) upset Ohio Northern (13-4-1, 4-2-1 OAC) by a score of 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in Ada.

Otterbein sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton scored what would eventually be the game winning goal in the 24^th minute when he took a centered pass from teammate Auggie Fisher and found the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The game would head to halftime with the Cards holding a 1-0 advantage.

Ohio Northern was unable to convert any opportunities into scores in the second half as Otterbein preserved a 1-0 upset.

The Polar Bears held a 23-12 shot advantage and attempted 11 corner kicks compared to just two for the Cardinals.

Junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki tallied three saves for Otterbein before leaving the game with an injury. Freshman/keeper Alex Kamphaus had seven saves in the relief effort. Ohio Northern goalie Aaron Collins stopped three shots.

The Cards next travel to play Muskingum on Tuesday. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
 

Otterbein Falls to John Carroll
Written Oct. 22, 2008 by Adam Prescott

 WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (6-6-2, 3-3 OAC) was defeated by John Carroll (8-4-2, 4-1-1 OAC) by a score of 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

The visiting Blue Streaks scored when Scott McKinney found the back of the next at the 21:08 mark of the first half to give his team a 1-0 lead.

John Carroll would take a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Otterbein’s Matt Beckett took a pass from teammate Harrison Jones late in the second half and converted what was thought to be the game tying goal, but the score was negated by an offsides call.

Neither team scored the remainder of the way as John Carroll would preserve a 1-0 conference victory.

John Carroll held a 9-3 shot advantage while Otterbein held a 6-4 edge on corner kicks.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki had four saves while John Carroll goalie Matt DeMarchi did not have any.

The Cardinals next travel to play Ohio Northern on Saturday. Game time from Ada is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 

Cards Defeat Heidelberg in Double Overtime
Written Oct. 18, 2008 by Adam Prescott

TIFFIN, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (6-5-2, 3-2 OAC) defeated Heidelberg (5-8-2, 2-2-1 OAC) by a score of 2-1 in double overtime on Saturday evening in Tiffin.

Heidelberg struck first when Mike Harling scored in the 36th minute of the first half to give the Student Princes a 1-0 lead.

After intermission, junior/midfielder Auggie Fisher scored his second goal in as many games when he took a pass from teammate Kurt Gallant and found the back of the net.

Neither team was able to score the remainder of the half as the contest headed to overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime session, Gallant converted a header off a pass from senior/defender Dan Ensign to give the Cardinals a 2-1 conference victory.

Otterbein held a 12-10 shot advantage while taking six corner kicks compared to eight for Heidelberg.

Junior/goalie David Dziedzicki recorded three saves for Otterbein while Heidelberg keeper Brian Benson stopped six Cardinal shots.

Otterbein next returns home to host John Carroll on Wednesday. Starting time is set for 3:30 p.m.

Beckett's Late Goal Lifts Otterbein Past Mount Union
Written Oct. 14, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (5-5-2, 2-2 OAC) defeated Mount Union (6-7-1, 1-3 OAC) by a score of 2-1 on Tuesday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

The visiting Purple Raiders got on the board first when Andrew Coccia found the back of the next at the 21:47 mark to give his team a 1-0 lead.

An aggressive first half of play ended with neither team being able to convert any opportunities to score, as Mount Union took a 1-0 lead into the break.

Junior/midfielder Auggie Fisher then tied the game at 1-1 when he took a cross from teammate Andrew Beckett and headed it past the goalie for the score. The goal was Fisher’s first of the season and came in the 52nd minute.

The game looked to be heading to overtime until Beckett took a cross from senior captain Dan Ensign and headed it past a diving Purple Raider goalie for the game winner in the 87th minute. The combination of Ensign to Beckett was the same connection used to score the game winning goal that upset previously #7 Baldwin-Wallace on Saturday evening. This was also Ensign's third assist in as many games.

Mount Union held a 10-8 shot advantage while both teams took five corner kicks.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki and Raider goalie Bobby Petras both stopped two shots between the posts.

The Cardinals next travel to play Heidelberg on Saturday. Game time from Tiffin is set for 7 p.m.
 

Cardinals Stun #7 Baldwin-Wallace
Written Oct. 11, 2008 by Adam Prescott

BEREA, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (4-5-2, 0-3 OAC) pulled an upset of # 7 Baldwin Wallace (11-2-1, 1-2 OAC), by a score of 1-0 on Saturday evening in Berea.

Neither team was able to score in the first half as the game went into intermission locked at 0-0.

Both teams were unable to convert on any scoring opportunities in the second half as the contest headed into overtime.

Cardinal junior/forward Matthew Beckett then gave his team a 1-0 victory when he nailed a shot from ten yards out on the left side at the 1:07:53 mark of double overtime. The goal was assisted by senior/defender Dan Ensign.

The Yellow-Jackets held a 19-18 shot advantage while both teams attempted six corner kicks.

Cardinal junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki recorded ten saves while Yellow Jacket  goalie Russ Mika stopped seven shots.

Otterbein next returns to action on Tuesday, October 24 when they host Mount Union. Game time from Clements field is set for 4 p.m.
 

Otterbein Drops Road Contest at Marietta
Written Oct. 8, 2008 by Adam Prescott

MARIETTA, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (3-5-2, 0-2 OAC) lost to Marietta (6-2-3, 1-0-1 OAC), by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday.

Marietta grabbed an early 1-0 lead when Bradley Baweja converted a header in the eight minute. The Pioneers then extended their lead to 2-0 when Deric McDonald scored off a cross from teammate Jack Dunn at the 32:54 mark.

The Cardinals closed the gap to 2-1 when sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton took a pass from Dan Ensign and headed it past the goalie just four minutes before intermission.

The host Pioneers would take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Neither team was able to score in the second half of play as Marietta would preserve a 2-1 conference victory.

The Pioneers held a 16-9 shot advantage while Otterbein held a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.

Cardinal junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki recorded seven saves while Marietta goalie Steve Hagenau stopped three shots.

Otterbein next returns to action on Saturday when they travel to Berea, Ohio to play Baldwin-Wallace. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 

Cardinals Fall to Wilmington in Double Overtime
Written Oct. 4, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (3-4-2, 0-1 OAC) lost to Wilmington (8-3, 1-0 OAC) by a score of 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

Wilmington took an early 1-0 lead when Thomas Keane found the back of the net in the 29^th minute.

Neither team was able to convert any scoring opportunities the remainder of the half as the game headed into halftime with Wilmington leading 1-0.

Otterbein junior/forward Matthew Beckett then tied the contest at 1-1 when he scored off an assist from teammate Kurt Gallant at the 66:22 mark.

Neither team scored the remainder of the half as the game headed into overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime session, Quaker forward Anthony Montgomery gave his team a 2-1victory when he scored in the 103^rd minute.

Otterbein held an 18-12 shot advantage and attempted seven corner kicks compared to only four for Wilmington.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki stopped five shots while Wilmington keeper Aaron Slusher had eight saves.

The Cardinals next travel to play Marietta on Wednesday. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
 

Cardinals Defeat Oberlin
Written Oct. 1, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (3-3-2) defeated Oberlin (6-5) by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

The Cardinals took an early 1-0 lead when an Oberlin defender accidentally kicked the ball into his own net at the 21:11 mark of the opening half.

Neither team was able to convert any scoring opportunities the remainder of the half as the game headed into halftime with Otterbein leading 1-0.

Otterbein junior/forward Matthew Beckett extended the Cardinal lead to 2-0 at the 85:40 mark when he received a long pass from teammate Seth Holland and slipped it past the goalie.

The Yeomen responded just two minutes later when Luke Hoffman found the back of the net to cut the Cardinal lead in half at 2-1.

However, Otterbein was able to withstand the late rally and preserve a 2-1 victory.

Oberlin held a 10-9 shot advantage while attempting four corner kicks compared to only two for the Cardinals.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki stopped four shots while Oberlin goalie Zach Lipshultz recorded two saves.

The Cardinals next host Wilmington on Saturday, October 4. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 

Cardinals Play Denison to Tie
Written Sep. 24, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (2-3-2) battled Denison (3-3-2) to a 2-2 tie on Wednesday evening in Granville.

Otterbein grabbed an early 1-0 lead when senior/defender R.J. Lindquist scored on a penalty kick in the 13^th minute. Neither team scored the remainder of the half as the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton then took a tipped ball from teammate Alex Conti at the 56:29 mark of the second half and shot it passed a diving Denison goalie to extend then Cardinal lead to 2-0.

The Big Red responded, however, when Peter Shorten scored on a penalty kick at the 65:36 mark to cut the Otterbein lead in half at 2-1. Shorten then erased the deficit at tied the game at 2-2 when he converted a shot from the far corner in the 85^th minute.

Neither team scored the rest of the half or in either overtime period as the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

Otterbein held a 27-23 shot advantage while also attempting six corner kicks to Denison’s four.

Cardinal junior/keeper David Dziedzicki and Denison goalie Kevin Donahue each stopped seven shots.

Otterbein next returns home to host Oberlin on Wednesday, October 1. Game time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Cardinals Battle Washington and Jefferson to 0-0 Tie
Written Sep. 20, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OH – Otterbein men’s soccer team (2-3-1) fought Washington and Jefferson (PA) (2-3-2) to a 0-0 tie on Saturday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville.

Neither team was able to score in either half as the game went into overtime locked at 0-0. The Cardinals actually found the back of the net with just two minutes remaining in the second half, but the goal did not count after a foul was called on Otterbein.

Both teams battled aggressively in the extra sessions, but neither squad was able to convert any scoring opportunities as the game ended in a 0-0 tie.

The Cardinals held a 20-11 shot advantage and attempted 15 corner kicks compared to only six for the Presidents. There were also a combined 27 fouls called throughout the game.

Otterbein junior/goalie David Dziedzicki recorded four saves while Washington and Jefferson keeper Tyler Hodgins stopped eight shots.

The Cardinals next hit the road to play Denison on Wednesday. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Cards Fall to Ohio Wesleyan
Written Sep. 17, 2008 by Adam Prescott

DELAWARE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (2-3) lost to Ohio Wesleyan (6-1), by a score of 2-1 on Wednesday evening in Delaware.

Otterbein took an early 1-0 lead when sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton headed the ball into the back of the net off an assist from freshman/midfielder Greg Atkinson at the 13:31 mark of the opening half. This was Horton’s second goal in as many games.

Neither team scored the rest of the half as the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Bishops scored in the 79^th minute of play when Ryan Harmanis nailed a shot from the left side to even the score at 1-1. Matt Bonfini then scored the game-winner at the 85:53 mark to give the host team a 2-1 victory.

Ohio Wesleyan held a 15-4 shot advantage and also attempted six corner kicks compared to three for Otterbein.

Cardinal junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki stopped three shots while Bishop goalie Richard Ott tallied one save.

Otterbein next returns to action on Saturday as they host Washington & Jefferson (PA) in the second game of a men’s/women’s double-header. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Cards Defeat Fighting Scots
Written Sep. 8, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein (2-2) defeated the College of Wooster (1-3-1) by a score of 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville, Ohio.

Neither team was able to score in the first half as the game went into intermission locked at 0-0.

Otterbein sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton then put the Cardinals ahead 1-0 when he converted a header off of a corner kick at the 53:54 mark of the second half.

Neither team capitalized on any scoring opportunities the remainder of the game as Otterbein preserved a 1-0 victory.

The Cardinals held a 16-4 shot advantage and also attempted ten corner kicks to only one for Wooster.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki recorded three saves while Wooster goalies Taylor Takacs and Jordan O'Boyle combined for seven.

The Cardinals next travel to play Ohio Wesleyan on Wednesday, September 17. Game time from Delaware, Ohio is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Cards Fall To Host Kenyon On Day Two Of Kenyon Tournament
Written Sep. 6, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein men’s soccer team (1-2) lost to Kenyon (4-0) by a score of 3-0 Saturday in Gambier, Ohio.

Kenyon grabbed an early lead when Dan Toulson scored five minutes into the game, giving the host team a quick 1-0 lead. Reiner Bauerfeind then extended the Lords' lead to 2-0 when he found the back of the net at the 12:15 mark of the opening half. Kenyon took a 2-0 lead into intermission.

Kenyon’s Felix Hoffman added another goal in the opening minute of the second half to give his team a 3-0 lead. Otterbein was never able to capitalize on any scoring opportunities the rest of the way as Kenyon earned a 3-0 victory.

The Lords out-shot the Cardinals 19-12, and also attempted seven corner kicks compared to just one for Otterbein.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki finished with six saves while Kenyon keeper Jamie White tallied eight.

The Cardinals return home to host Wooster Wednesday. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Otterbein Victorious Over Urbana In Kenyon Tournament
Written Sep. 5, 2008 by Adam Prescott


WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein College (1-1) defeated Urbana University (0-3) by a score of 2-0 on Friday, September 5 in the opening game of the Kenyon Tournament in Gambier, Ohio.

Otterbein began the scoring towards the end of the opening half as junior/forward Matthew Beckett found the back of the net at the 42:30 mark. The Cardinals would take a 1-0 lead into intermission.

Otterbein held onto the lead for the entire second half, and added a second goal in the final minute at the 89:15 mark when sophomore/midfielder Byron Horton scored to make the final score 2-0. The goal was assisted by Beckett.

The Cardinals out-shot the Blue Knights 19-12 and also held a 5-2 corner kick advantage.

Otterbein junior/goalkeeper David Dziedzicki tallied four saves while Urbana goalkeeper Micah Fisher had six saves.

The Cardinals next play host Kenyon tomorrow at 5:00 p.m.

Cards Drop Season Opener to Wittenberg
Written Aug. 30, 2008 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OH –Otterbein College’s men’s soccer team (0-1) lost to Wittenberg University (1-0) by a score of 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Clements Field in Westerville, Ohio.

Neither team was able to muster a goal in the opening half of play as the game went into halftime locked at 0-0.

Wittenberg’s Jimmy Thinnes found the back of the net at the 52:44 mark of the second half to put his team ahead 1-0. Otterbein was never able to even the contest en route to a 1-0 defeat.

The Tigers held a 17-11 shot advantage while also holding a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.

Three Earn Academic All-OAC Honors
Written Nov. 20, 2007 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Three members of the 2007 Otterbein men’s soccer team were selected to Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) teams, the OAC released today.

Defender/midfielder John-Mark Mocas, a senior from Bellbrook, and defender Adam Warner, a senior from Greenville, were named to the first team.

Mocas, majoring in physical education/health education, has made the Otterbein Dean’s List six times. He was also an honorable mention All-OAC selection this season.

Warner, a broadcasting and journalism major, was also selected honorable mention All-OAC in 2007. He has made the dean’s list three times.

Ensign Earns Academic Honors
Written Nov. 1, 2007 by Ed Syguda

Dan Ensign celebrates after a goal against Muskingum.

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Dan Ensign, a junior from Westerville (Westerville South High School), was named to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV first team as selected by the College Sports Information Director’s of America (CoSIDA), released today by CoSIDA.

He is now eligible for Academic All-America consideration.

Ensign, a two-year starter at defender, scored one goal in 2007, which came in a 2-1 win over Muskingum in the final game of the season.

He is majoring in Physical Science and has made the Otterbein Dean’s List five times.

Academic All-District IV team members are selected through voting by CoSIDA, a 2,000-member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. District IV encompasses the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Cards to Host Muskingum
Written Oct. 25, 2007 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein, seeking to shake off its scoring slump, closes out regular-season play Saturday, hosting Muskingum at 2 p.m. on Clements Field.

“We’ve been competitive in every game,” said Otterbein head coach Gerry D’Arcy, “but haven’t been able to turn the corner in terms of scoring goals. It’s not any individual, it’s a team.”

The Cardinals, 6-10-0 overall, sit eighth in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) at 3-5-0 and have a chance to make the OAC Tournament, which is scheduled to begin Monday. The tournament was expanded from four to six teams this season, with the top two seeds receiving first-round byes.

“We’re not in a position where we can take care of our own destiny, but anything can still happen,” D’Arcy said about his team’s chances of getting into the post-season tournament.

Of Otterbein’s five conference losses this season, three have come by one goal, and a fourth by two goals.

“Our players have done the best that they can this season,” D’Arcy said. “We’ve gone from being an easy rollover to a very competitive team.”

Otterbein heads into the weekend off a 1-0 loss to Heidelberg at home Wednesday. The Berg scored in the 15th minute and held on for the win despite a flurry of shots in the second half from Otterbein. The Cardinals out-shot Heidelberg, 17-6, in the second period.

Defender John-Mark Mocas, a senior from Bellbrook, who moved up to midfield in this game, and midfielder/forward Patrick Shick, a senior from Powell (Olentangy High School), combined for 11 shots against Heidelberg.

Otterbein heads into Saturday’s game with Muskingum (4-13-0, 0-8-0) with nine points in OAC play and needs to leapfrog over Marietta, 10 points, and Wilmington, 10 points, to gain a berth in the OAC Tournament.

Senior John-Mark Mocas (Bellbrook) scored the game’s lone goal nine minutes into the game.

The Cardinals were out-shot by the Pioneers, 20-7, but only three of Marietta’s shots were on-goal. 

With the win, Otterbein has defeated Marietta five straight times, including four games decided by one goal.  Marietta’s last win against Otterbein was a 1-0 decision in 2002.

Cards Host Marietta to Open OAC Play
Written Sept. 27, 2007 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein, having closed out the non-conference portion of its schedule, begins Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play with Marietta, 2:30 p.m., Saturday at home on Clements Field.

“We’ve played as tough a non-conference schedule as we’ve ever played and, certainly, will be prepared for conference play because of that,” said head coach Gerry D’Arcy, who is in his 19th season with the Cardinals.

Otterbein comes into the match 3-6-0 overall, dropping a 3-2 decision to Denison Wednesday at home.

“The biggest thing we are working on now is to eliminate some of the problems that we have had early in games, and also to play hard,” D’Arcy said. “We are working on playing as hard as we can, playing aggressively.”

Forward Drew Pitzer, a senior from Worthington (Thomas Worthington), leads the Cardinals in scoring with four goals and four assists. Midfielder Jordan Gonzales, a senior from Worthington (Thomas Worthington), has scored three goals.

Marietta enters the match 4-3-1 overall, losing 2-1 in overtime at Walsh last Tuesday.

Last season, Otterbein finished seventh in the OAC with a 3-5-1 record. Marietta finished last at 0-9-0.

Following Marietta, Otterbein travels to Wilmington (4-5-0) Tuesday for a match beginning at 7 p.m.

“We are very much a work in progress,” D’Arcy said. “Once we settled our system of play this past weekend, we seemed to improve.

“A lot of people are contributing,” D’Arcy added. “The team is evolving right now. It’s not set in stone.”

Forward Drew Pitzer, a senior from Worthington, scored six points in the tournament, tallying two goals and two assists.

Pitzer scored the tying goal and assisted on the game-winning goal from midfielder/forward Patrick Shick, a senior from Powell, in the 74th minute in the win over Goshen. Against Tri-State, he scored the first goal 18 minutes into the match and assisted the game-winner from midfielder/forward Matt Beckett, a sophomore from Sunbury, in the 85th minute.

Otterbein remains on the road, traveling to Wooster Thursday for a match scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

WESTERVILLE, OHIO--The Otterbein men’s soccer team handed out its team honors at an awards ceremony held Feb. 4 on the campus of Otterbein College.

The Cardinals finished the season 8-8-1 and 3-5-1 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), landing them in seventh place in the conference.  Of the eight losses, five of them came by one goal.

A list of special award winners follows:

Junior forward Drew Pitzer (Worthingtion/Thomas Worthington High School) was named the team’s most valuable offensive player. Pitzer led the team with 48 shots, six goals, four game-winnings goals, and was tied for first with 12 points. Pitzer tied for fourth in the league in game-winning goals and garnered second team All-OAC honors.

Junior defender John-Mark Mocas (Bellbrook) was named the team’s co-most valuable defensive player. Mocas scored three goals this season and anchored a defense that posted five shutouts on the year. He was also named OAC Co-Defender of the Year and first team All-OAC.

Junior goalkeeper Jordan Guhl (Gahanna/Lincoln) was named the team’s co-most valuable defensive player. Guhl posted a 1.57 goals-against average and made a league-leading 103 saves. He was also third in the conference with five shutouts.

Junior midfielder Patrick Shick (Powell/Olentangy) was named the team’s most improved player. Shick was second on the team in goals with five and tied for first in points (12).

Senior midfielder Kurt Marks (Canal Winchester) received the coaches’ award, an award specifically handed out by the coaches for a player’s accomplishments and efforts reflecting the spirit of the team. Marks started all 17 games this year and notched one assist. He was also named to the Academic All-OAC team.  Marks ends his collegiate career with three goals, five assists and 11 points.

Twenty-four Otterbein players were awarded letters at the banquet. The complete list follows:

Four-year lettermen:  Senior midfielder Aaron Hickman (Westerville/Olentangy).

Three-year lettermen:  Marks, junior midfielder Adam Warner (Greenville), Pitzer, junior midfielder Jordan Gonzales (Worthington/Thomas Worthington), junior defender Ryan Studer (Reynoldsburg), Mocas, junior defender Kevin Stahr (Columbus/DeSales) and Guhl.

Two-year lettermen:  Junior midfielder Adam Boals (Mansfield/St. Peters), senior midfielder Aaron Lahman (Pemberville/Eastwood), Shick, sophomore defender Daniel Ensign (Westerville/South), sophomore defender R.J. Lindquist (Worthington/Kilbourne), sophomore midfielder Matt Weiss (Worthington/Kilbourne) and senior midfielder Dustin Wilshire (Ashville/Teays Valley).

First-year lettermen:  Junior forward Ian Doherty (Westerville/St. Francis DeSales), freshman forward Cody DiLauro (Broadview Heights/Independence), junior midfielder Andrew Beckett (Sunbury/Big Walnut), freshman midfielder Matt Beckett (Sunbury/Big Walnut), freshman midfielder Auggie Fisher (Dublin/Jerome), freshman forward Michael Mayo (Columbus/Tree of Life Christian), freshman defender Ephraim Medaugh (Corning/Bishop Rosecrans) and sophomore midfielder Jonathan Herr (Groveport/Madison).

Three Earn All-OAC Honors; Mocas Named Co-Defender of the Year
Written Nov. 10, 2006 by Jason Miller

WESTERVILLE, OHIO--Three Otterbein College men’s soccer players were named All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and defender John-Mark Mocas was named OAC Co-Defender of the Year, the OAC released today.

Mocas, a junior from Bellbrook, led a Cardinal defense that registered five shutouts this season. He is third on the team in points (7) and goals (3) and second on the team in game-winning goals (2).

Forward Drew Pitzer, a junior from Worthington (Thomas Worthington High School), earned second team All-OAC honors.  Pitzer led the team in goals (6) and game-winning goals (4) and was tied for first on the team in scoring with 12 points.  He was also tied for fourth in the league in game-winning goals.