DELAWARE, Ohio — Wabash College generated several second-half scoring chances but could not find an equalizer Wednesday evening in a 1-0 North Coast Athletic Conference loss to Ohio Wesleyan University at the Jay Martin Soccer Complex.
The Little Giants finished with 10 shots, including seven in the second half, and put three attempts on goal. Wabash goalkeeper Rafael Cordova made four saves to keep the Little Giants within a goal throughout the second half.
Wabash created the early pressure in a scoreless opening period, earning three corner kicks and taking three shots. The Little Giants won their first corner in the second minute before Alfredo Campos put a shot on goal in the ninth. Bryce Kinnaman sent an attempt high in the 14th minute.
Cordova stopped Maddox Andrea’s shot in the 22nd minute for Ohio Wesleyan’s best early opportunity. Alex Burke added another Wabash attempt in the 30th minute, and the Little Giants earned their third corner kick with just over a minute remaining before halftime.
Ohio Wesleyan broke the scoreless tie in the 48th minute when Nick Gallo scored off an assist from Vittorio Renda to give the Battling Bishops a 1-0 lead.
Wabash responded immediately. The Little Giants earned a corner kick in the 50th minute before Kinnaman produced three scoring chances over the next six minutes. He put one attempt on goal, struck the left post with another and followed with a third shot as Wabash searched for the tying goal.
Cordova kept the deficit at one with three saves between the 64th and 69th minutes.
The Little Giants mounted another push late in the match. Campos, Brady Reiter and Ethan Simmons each generated attempts, with Reiter putting a shot on target in the 77th minute. Wabash continued to press over the closing minutes but was unable to produce the equalizer.
Kinnaman led Wabash with four shots and one attempt on goal. Campos finished with three shots, including one on frame. Cordova played all 90 minutes and recorded four saves.
Gallo scored on his only shot of the match and earned the game-winning goal for Ohio Wesleyan. Renda provided the assist and finished with two shots. Andrew Davison played all 90 minutes in goal and made two saves to record the shutout.
Wabash returns home Saturday to face Kenyon College in NCAC action at 1 p.m. at Fischer Field.
