CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (Oct. 15) -- The 11th ranked Denison University men's soccer team recorded their ninth shutout of the season in a decisive 4-0 victory over the Wabash Little Giant in North Coast Athletic Conference play Tuesday afternoon. The Big Red recorded two goals in the first half before tacking on two more goals in the second half to seal the victory. Meanwhile, the defensive unit remained rock solid, securing the clean sheet.
The Big Red moves its record to 9-1-3 overall and 4-0 in North Coast Athletic Conference play. Denison has won four-straight overall and now has an eight-match unbeaten streak overall. The loss drops Wabash to 8-3-2 overall and 1-1-1 in the conference.
In the 16th minute, Henri Heyes made a strong run down the field and pressed into Wabash territory. After attempting to send a pass to Jack Rice that was deflected by a defender, Heyes battled to win the ball back, but the Wabash defender managed to get a step ahead. However, teammate Jake Krueger was quick to scoop up the loose ball. Krueger then skillfully beat the defender and, with two quick touches, threaded a shot between two more Wabash defenders, sending the ball into the lower-left corner of the net to put Denison on the board.
Later in the first half, Denison capitalized on another opportunity when Krueger was fouled near the corner flag, setting up a free kick. Cameron McIntosh delivered a beautiful left-footed ball that curved perfectly toward the back post. The Wabash goalkeeper misjudged his attempt to punch it away, and a Wabash defender, too far inside the net, couldn't clear the ball with a header, resulting in an own goal and a 2-0 lead for Denison.
Denison struck off of another set piece, with McIntosh again delivering a dangerous ball for his teammates. McIntosh's cross found Henri Heyes, who managed to head the ball toward the goal, but it smacked off the crossbar. An unmarked Zarius Eusebe was waiting at the back post and easily tapped in the rebound volley, securing a third goal for Denison.
The Big Red's fourth goal came from an all-sophomore combination. Liam Walsh took a throw-in near the corner flag on the left side of the field. Tyler Weiss flicked the ball down the baseline, where a Wabash defender attempted to shield it out for a goal kick. However, Wesley Brunner slid the ball off the line and sent it into the box. Justin Crow, charging in from the right, launched a one-touch shot with his right foot, sending the ball back across to the far post. The strike marked Crow's first collegiate goal, rounding off an impressive attack from the sophomore group.
Denison showcased their offensive firepower with a variety of contributors, while Krueger remains a consistent threat, leading the North Coast Athletic Conference with 11 goals this season.
Denison head coach Brandon Bianco commented on the team's performance, saying, "With the conditions today, it was always going to be a difficult 90 minutes to play maybe the way we'd like to. Wabash is a good team and had a lot to do with that. I loved our personality today and that's what drove the performance. We'll take the three points and move forward."
The Big Red will heads to Wittenberg University for another conference match on Saturday, October 19th, with a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.
