Box Score Despite a persistent offensive attack in the second half, the John Carroll women's soccer team fell short to Ohio Northern University in a battle of the top two teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference, 2-1, Friday night  at Don Shula Stadium.

Box Score

This highly anticipated matchup between John Carroll (11-6, 5-2 OAC) and the nationally ranked Polar Bears (13-1-2, 7-0 OAC) saw a first half that was dominated by stellar defense on both sides.

Despite the cool temperature outside, both teams heated up in the second half, posting a combined 20 shots, with 14 coming from the Streaks. Colleen Harmon and Kaylin Akerly each had four apiece.

Within a ten minute span, ONU turned a defensive battle into a comfortable lead with goals from Kristina Klusek and Alyssa Merrick.  JCU sophomore midfielder Genny Goergen struck back with her fifth goal of the season in the 77th minute, bringing both sidelines and the crowd of over 300 back to life.



Coach Tracy Blasius' girls fired away at ONU goalkeeper Erin Waehner, who tallied 11 saves on the evening, but were unable to sneak another one past her, dropping just their second OAC match of the season.

John Carroll also suffered its first home loss in eight games of the 2011 campaign, and its first since a 1-0 loss to 2010 national semifinalist Otterbein on October 2 of last year – a span of 11 matches in which the Streaks went 9-0-2.

Pending results on Saturday, JCU could slip as far as fourth place in the OAC with two games left but also could officially qualify for the conference postseason tournament as well.