GRANVILLE, Ohio (Nov. 2) -- In a hard-fought contest, Denison University and Ohio Wesleyan University played to a 0-0 draw in front of a capacity crowd at Kienzle-Hybert Stadium on Saturday afternoon as part of Big Red Weekend.
With the tie, Denison secures a share of the North Coast Athletic Conference regular season title. The Big Red, ranked 10th in the most recent United Soccer Coaches poll, are 11-1-5 overall and finish NCAC play at 6-0-2.
Both teams had their chances in a game marked by strong defensive displays and critical saves from goalkeepers. Denison's
Zarius Eusebe,
Miles Crosser, and captain
Henri Heyes led the defensive line, while goalkeeper
Tommy Prokos made four crucial saves to keep the Battling Bishops off the scoreboard. Ohio Wesleyan's keeper, Sam Whitman, recorded six saves, including some impressive stops to deny Denison's attackers.
The Big Red out-shot the Battling Bishops 12-7 and held a decisive 14-3 advantage in corner kicks, continuously pressing for a breakthrough. Despite these efforts, both defenses held firm, resulting in a scoreless draw at the final whistle.
Denison's height advantage gave them multiple scoring opportunities off headers, with
Henri Heyes leading the way by putting two on frame.
Jake Krueger, who led the NCAC in goals this season, spearheaded Denison's offense with five total shots, three of which were on target. Late in the contest, Denison came closest to breaking the deadlock with a thrilling three-shot sequence that saw back-to-back-to-back saves and blocks from Ohio Wesleyan, leaving fans in disbelief as the Battling Bishops managed to keep the ball out of the net.
Head coach
Brandon Bianco reflected on the match and the season's achievements to this point.
"This felt like a November tournament game today, and I'm really proud of this team. Ohio Wesleyan is a good group, and I thought we had moments to win it. The guys poured everything into today and all season, and I'm so happy they get a deserved share of the conference championship."
Denison earns the number two seed for next week's NCAC Tournament. The Big Red will face third-seeded Kenyon College in the semifinals on Thursday, Nov. 7. The match will kick off at Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium at 7 p.m.
