TIGERS TURN IN FIRST CLEAN SHEET WITH 4-0 WIN OVER SMWC

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Olivet Nazarene University men's soccer team dominated both sides of the ball to turn in their first clean sheet of the season and pick up a 4-0 win over St. Mary of the Woods Tuesday night. The Tigers outshot the Pomeroys 25-3 to cruise to the shutout.

The first half opened with Olivet Nazarene taking control early, as Adrian Kang Hagman found the back of the net in the 12th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Niels Noordhoek. Displaying strategic offensive pressure, the team doubled their lead in the 25th minute when Hagman scored again, with Noordhoek providing his second assist. The attacking momentum was supported by consistent corner kicks from Atjon Thaqi, maintaining pressure on the visitors, while goalkeeper Patrick Dye preserved the clean sheet with a key save in the 15th minute.

The second half began with the home team asserting dominance, as Kingsley Kanu netted a goal in the 59th minute, assisted by Thaqi, extending their lead to 3-0. Gijs Van Den Berg then capitalized on an opportunity in the 84th minute with Caleb Mariotti providing the assist, sealing a 4-0 advantage. Despite several fouls and offside calls, the team maintained control, with Dye making a crucial save against Andoni Ybanez's attempt at 73:36, securing a decisive victory over the visitors.

Hagman scored twice, including the game-winning goal, from five shots, three of which were on target. Van Den Berg added a goal from his two shots, both on target. Thaqi contributed with an assist, while Mariotti also recorded an assist from his two shot attempts. Dye secured a shutout, making two saves on two shots faced.

Olivet Nazarene improves to 3-1-1 overall following their decisive victory. They will look to build a winning streak when they host Morningside Friday afternoon.

--ONU—

*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu