ONU CONCLUDES REGULAR SEASON UNBEATEN IN CONFERENCE PLAY

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene University defeated Indiana University Northwest with a commanding 7-0 victory on Saturday, highlighted by six second-half goals. The Senior Day win improves Olivet to 15-2-1 overall and 10-0-0 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). This is the first time since 2011 that a CCAC men's soccer team finished conference play without a loss or tie. 

The match commenced with Olivet taking control early. Despite an initial defensive save by Indiana Northwest, Nathan Schmidli broke through with the first goal of the game at the 20:08 mark, assisted by Ali Sillah. Olivet's defense, led by Cedric Kunzli in goal, withstood multiple attempts from Indiana Northwest, maintaining a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half.

Olivet came out strong in the second half when Atjon Thaqi scored in the 49th minute, assisted by Gijs Van Den Berg. The momentum continued as Niels Noordhoek extended the lead with a goal in the 65th minute, assisted by Daniel Martinez. Despite attempts from Indiana Northwest, including a shot saved by Kunzli following a red card to Tye Adams, the Tigers maintained their offensive pressure. Kingsley Kanu added another goal in the 69th minute with assistance from Adrian Kang Hagman, and Kang Hagman scored a penalty kick shortly after to extend the Tiger's lead. Goals by Josh Dennis in the 86th minute, assisted by Kanu, and Braden Connors in the 89th minute finished off the 7-0 win.

The Tigers now turn their attention to the postseason, which begins on Wednesday, Nov. 5 in the quarterfinals of the CCAC Tournament. The contest is slated to begin at 6 p.m. at the Bahr Soccer Facility. 

--ONU--