WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Carroll University men's soccer team matched Ohio Northern's opening goal less than a minute later, but the visiting Polar Bears used a pair of second-half tallies to hand the Pioneers a 3-1 loss Friday evening at Schneider Stadium. Carroll dropped to 0-2 on the season, while Ohio Northern improved to 1-1.
Ohio Northern struck first in the 21st minute when Miles Armstrong found the back of the net at 20:26, but the Pioneers wasted little time responding. Just 26 seconds later, Iskander Sharipov played a ball to Edin Hajric off of a free kick from about the 40 yard line, where Hajric then connected with his head and beautifully placed his first goal of the season to even the match at 1-1. The sides remained deadlocked through the remainder of the opening half.
The Polar Bears gradually regained control after halftime, holding a 57-43 advantage in possession and finishing with a 14-4 edge in shots. Ohio Northern broke the tie in the 65th minute when Ignacio Ciotta converted after a blocked attempt fell favorably in the box. Johnny Roussakis added an insurance goal in the 78th minute to stretch the lead to 3-1.
Hajric accounted for Carroll's lone goal, while Sharipov recorded the assist. Liam Stokes and Hajric each put a shot on target as the Pioneers generated two shots on goal. Goalkeeper Angel Escamilla made two saves over the full 90 minutes.
Carroll will look to bounce back tomorrow as they have a quick turnaround when they host Concordia (Wis.) back at Schneider Stadium at 6pm for another nonconference tilt.
