As the fall weather begins to take affect in Cleveland, afternoons such as Saturday's at Wasmer Field on John Carroll University's campus were not ideal for an Ohio Athletic Conference opener between the host Blue Streaks and Otterbein University Cardinals.

Battling both their opponents and the elements, John Carroll eventually broke through in the latter stages for a 2-0 victory to start the league schedule off on the right foot.

Box Score

Several John Carroll soccer alumni were in the crowd for today's contest to support the Blue Streaks after the annual alumni game. 

"It's awesome having the alumni here," said Jeff Kosek. "It's great that they are supporting us because we have played with a lot of them."

Both teams had a slow start in the first half of the game as they exchanged shots on each ends of the field. Jake Milli and Kyle Buxman took control offensively for the Blue Streaks, with a combined five shots. Each of the goalkeepers were able to stop all comers to keep the scoreboard at 0-0 entering the first half.

Nine minutes into the half, Otterbein was able to make a key defensive stop as JCU freshman Kevin McKarnish took the ball to the net for the Blue Streaks in hopes of scoring the first goal of the game. 

A few minutes later, Wycliffe Odhiambo, who led the team with five shots taken in the game, took advantage of a second chance ball, but partially blocked shot was chipped away at the last instant to keep the match scoreless.

Third time was the charm for John Carroll in the second half when Odhiambo connected with a center pass to Kosek who knocked the first goal of the game into the net and allowed the Blue Streaks to take the lead 1-0 with twenty minutes remaining.

As John Carroll continued to maintain the lead in the remainder of the game, the Blue Streaks were able to score a final goal with one second remaining in the game. Kosek passed the ball to David Hickey who scored the final goal of the match.

JCU improved to 7-4 overall and 1-0 in the OAC, while Otterbein slipped to 1-9 and 0-1 in league action. 

"This was the first conference game of the season and we needed to come out and win," said Kosek. "We came out, played hard and won. We need to keep working to continue winning OAC games."

Defensively, John Carroll was able to keep the ball in Otterbein territory most of the game and away from Blue Streak goalkeeper Carl Contrascier, who tallied four saves.