The men’s soccer team took off to “that state up north” for the weekend, playing two games against conference foes in the state of Michigan. The Eagles came away with one win and one tie in their games against Northwood and Saginaw Valley State. They piled up four goals while only conceding once the entire weekend.

Northwood

Ashland went up to Midland, Mich. Friday night for their second meeting of the year against the Northwood Timberwolves. Ashland won the first meeting 2-1, but Northwood won the second half, setting the tone for the rematch.

Northwood took the lead in the 24th minute as Chen Tzfania showed his range, firing a shot from 25 yards that cleared Ashland keeper Justin Nolan’s head. Northwood controlled much of the action the entire night, piling up 22 shots to the Eagles’ 12. Nolan was able to make five saves on the night to keep the Eagles alive.

It took awhile for Ashland to fire back, but they did so in the 76th minute in the form of a Mitch Deyhle to Brian Ruhaak goal that was finished from five yards out. The equalizer sent the match into overtime, where neither team would find the net. The draw was Ashland’s second of the season.

Saginaw Valley State

The Eagles rolled into University Center, Mich. Sunday looking to improve on both their 1-1 draw Friday and their 1-1 draw at home against the very same Saginaw Valley State they again faced.

Ashland got off to a fast start, getting a goal from their fiery freshman forward Louis Clark in the 14th minute. Sophomore defender Jamie Dollar had the assist, sending a through ball over the top of the defense. From there, Clark was able to tuck a shot into the right side of the net. Clark has a knack for scoring goals from high through balls.

“It’s all about knowing when Michael (Kennedy) and Jamie (Dollar) are going to put the ball over the top and then trying to get away from the defender, creating a bit of space,” Clark said. “Once that’s done, just trying to compose yourself, slow down and decide where to put the ball, not just smashing it.”

In the 31st minute Clark was on the other end of a goal, assisting as Adam Spannbauer found the back of the net for his 20th career goal in the purple and gold.

Clark’s day wasn’t done yet, as he linked up with Spannbauer again in the 34th minute. Spannbauer laid the ball off for Clark just outside the 18-yard box, where he was able to curl it in around the keeper.

Louis Clark was named as the GLIAC Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week for his performance in the game. He currently leads all scorers in the conference with 11 goals.

“It feels great. Obviously, being involved in the honor roll for the last couple of weeks has been brilliant, but actually getting it feels good,” Clark said of receiving the award.

Ashland held the 3-0 lead until the final whistle, only allowing the Cardinals seven shots all game. Goalkeepers Justin Nolan and Kurt Innes combined to make three saves for the Eagles on the way to their sixth clean sheet of the season.

Ashland sits atop the GLIAC at 7-0-2, but they are only one point ahead of Ohio Dominican. The Panthers roll into town Friday night, looking to avenge a loss to the Eagles earlier in the season. The game is at 4:30 p.m. Friday, and the Eagles will play at home again Sunday, facing Urbana at 2:30 p.m.