CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio - On Saturday, September 17th your Mount St. Joseph University Lions traveled to Ohio Christian University to take on the Trailblazers in a non-conference matchup. The Lions conceded an early goal and trailed at the half. But, in the second half the Lions stormed back.
Willis Johnson would even the score in the 67th minute and
Michael Abel would provide the game-winning goal in the 87th minute lifting the Lions to victory.
Ohio Christian opened up play pressuring the Lions' defense. After a pair of shots saved by Lions' goalkeeper
Gustavo Gutierrez the Trailblazers would break through scoring in just the 5th minute of play. The Lions responded well throughout the half finishing with 6 shots, 5 on target, but could not answer back. The Lions defense held strong after surrendering a goal early entering the half down 1-0.
In the second half of play each squad traded offensive opportunities.
Willis Johnson finally broke through for the Lions in the 67th minute.
Joshua Budke controlled the ball on the right wing and sent a cross into the box. Johnson stepped in front of a defender and sent a ball into the back of the net equalizing for the Lions. Following the goal, the Lions continued to push forward offensively. The Lions fired 6 more shots at the goal in desperation for a game-winner.
Michael Abel then would provide the answer in the 87th minute.
The Lions gained possession after a failed Trailblazer attack and went on the counter.
Willis Johnson received the ball at midfield and looped a pass over the OCU defense to
Michael Abel rushing down the middle of the field. Abel had just the goalkeeper to beat, pushing the ball to the left hand side of the net past the keeper giving The Mount a 2-1 lead.
The Lions defense held strong for the remaining 3 minutes earning their first victory of the season, knocking off Ohio Christian 2-1.
Michael Abel stole the show offensively scoring the game-winning goal while goalkeeper
Gustavo Gutierrez commanded the defense making 5 saves.
UP NEXT: Your Mount St. Joseph Lions are back home on Monday, September 19th as they welcome the Cougars of UC-Clermont to Schueler Field. Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm.
