Homecoming weekend came to an end with a bang when the John Carroll men's soccer team (6-5-1) defeated the Marietta Pioneers (7-5-1) on Saturday night at Don Shula Stadium.

JCU improves to 3-0 in OAC play, including three shutouts. The Blue Streaks have outscored conference opponents, 7-0. 

John Carroll came out as the aggressors to start the first half and although they finished with the same amount of shots as the Pioneers (five), they had four corners to Marietta's zero.  Despite all of the opportunities, they were unable to capitalize and went into the break with a scoreless tie.

The two best chances of the half were by Marietta senior Taylor Reasoner. The 5-11 senior got behind the Blue Streak defense for two separate breakaways.  Sophomore goaltender Liam McIntosh stood tall and came up with two athletic saves to keep the Pioneers off of the scoreboard.

After back-and-forth play to start the second half, the scoreless streak was broken in the 64th minute. Freshman Hayden Parente fired a pass from Jake Lombardo off the crossbar. It deflected off a Marietta defender and into the back of the net, giving the Blue Streaks a 1-0 lead.  The remainder of the second half was highlighted by the defense of JCU, as they held the Pioneers to just two shots.  The Blue Streaks offense continued to create chances in the final 15 minutes, and held on to secure the 1-0 victory.  

The Blue Streaks will travel to Berea, OH to face crosstown rival Baldwin Wallace on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7:00 p.m.