On a cold night at Don Shula Stadium, the John Carroll and Marietta men's soccer team repeatedly knocked on the door, sending shot after shot on net.

Only the Blue Streaks could break through, as a first half goal proved to be just enough in a 1-0 Ohio Athletic Conference victory over the Pioneers (8-7, 3-2 OAC).

With the win, JCU takes sole possession of second place in the OAC with a 4-1 mark in league play, 9-3-1 overall.

From the outset, the Blue Streaks dominated possession time. The time in Marietta's zone led to a flurry of shots, as the Blue and Gold outshot the Pioneers in the first half, 15-1.

In the 19th minute, the Blue Streaks finally converted on an opportunity. Receiving a pass from Jesse Marinaro, Kevin Pachuta streaked up the left side of the field. The senior then sent a crosser to a charging Dalton Browsky, who slotted the ball into the right corner of the net on a slidekick for the 1-0 lead. Browsky now tops the team with seven goals and 17 points.

"We came out strong," senior Michael Melfi said. "Sometimes we've had problems coming out of the gate and getting goals, but from the get-go we came out and were very solid."
 

The Blue Streaks consistently pressured the Pioneers in the first half, drawing seven corner kicks and nearly converting on a number of close opportunities. One shot dinged off the crossbar and several shots narrowly flew high or wide.

The second half featured more Marietta chances, as the Pioneers came close to tying the game on a few occasions. On one dangerous shot, Marietta's Zach Johnson cut around the right corner and fired a shot at the middle of the net. Fortunately for JCU, goalkeeper Liam McIntosh positioned himself perfectly, securing the ball with both hands as he fell to the ground.

The Blue Streaks still outshot the Pioneers in the second stanza, 7-3. As the period progressed, JCU increasingly forced the issue in the Marietta zone, keeping the Pioneers hemmed in their own zone with physical play. In the final five minutes, the Blue Streaks sealed the victory by winning a game of keepaway with the Pioneers.

The Blue and Gold ended the contest with a 22-4 shot advantage, but the Pioneers fought fiercely to the very end.

"That's a very good team, they'll be in the top half of the conference," Melfi said of the Pioneers. "This is a good win for us, particularly at home."

JCU will return to action on Tuesday, as the Blue Streaks will face Baldwin Wallace in Berea at 7 p.m.