By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Jackson, Mich.---Matt Almester (St. John's Jesuit/Rossford, Ohio) scored the game's lone goal at the 16:29 mark to give the Owens Community College men's soccer team a 1-0 win on the road over Jackson College.
On the defensive side, head coach Art Johnson moved Maxwell Ejiogu (Beauchamps/Wickford, Essex, U.K.) from an offensive role back to a defender position, and pushed Jahmall Whittaker (Herbert Morrison Tech/Queens, N.Y.) up from a defender position. Both players excelled in their new roles, which proved pivotal in the shutout.
In the second half, Owens had several chances to pad its lead, but were thrwarted each time. Then, with just under 20 minutes left, Jackson drew a foul in the box, but had its penalty kick attempt bounce off the right end of the crossbar and cleared out.
Then, with just under two minutes left, Jackson had its second best opportunity to score, but Kyle Rowan (Perrysburg/Perrysburg, Ohio) dove to make a save in front of his body.
The game was heated throughout with the two teams combining for three yellow and two red cards.
The win was the first in three games for Owens (1-2), and they evened out their record to 1-1 in Region XII play. They will travel to Cuyahoga Community College next Wednesday for a 4 p.m. tilt.
Almester's goal was his second of the season, and it was the 20th of his career. He has both of the team's goals this year.