Senior Zack Hanks Leads OU Comeback

The Ottawa University men’s soccer team came back from a 0-1 deficit and beat the Saint Mary Spires 3 to 1 on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at People’s Bank Field.

Ottawa University started the game strong, with up to four good chances of scoring, including a ball that hit the post.

However, it was the Spires who scored first after a corner kick was followed by a header by Hargraves Gesore at the seventh minute.

Even though the Braves dominated in the game, they were not able to tie the game, remaining scoreless for the rest of the first half.

The same script was followed in the first part of the second half, when OU kept attacking Saint Mary’s goal without accomplishing the tying goal.

Nevertheless, the Braves achieved an important comeback scoring three goals in the last 20 minutes.

First, at the minute 71, senior Zack Hanks tied it through the same formula USM used. Hanks headed the ball after a corner kick.

11 minutes later, junior Rafael Ramirez got fouled in the box. Senior Grant Keith kicked it and gave OU a 2 to 1 lead.

Finally, Ramirez score the third goal after Hanks’ pass with four minutes left.

This victory over USM was the first braves’ win in conference. In the first three games, they had two ties and a loss.

Senior Casey Waniska said it has been a mixed start for them. “We haven't had the results that we would like, but at times we have played really well,” he said. “Our main set back has been giving up cheap goals and not scoring goals. We have creates chances but we haven't been able to finish them like we would like to.

Senior Robert Rodriguez defined their performance as a roller coaster. “We play well for one half and then we play horrible the other one,” he said.

Waniska thinks this was a really big game for them. “We needed a win and we got it. That’s important,” he said. “It’s been kind of frustrating because of the results we've had, but tonight’s (Wednesday’s) win is a good step in the right direction.”

Waniska expects the team to make it to the playoffs at the very minimum. “I believe if we play to our potential we can win the rest of our conference games,” he said. “This game was far from perfect. There are still a lot of things for us to work on.”

Rodriguez said they are finding each other, little by little. “Playing a new system with a new coach takes time. I believe we are getting there,” he said. “This game gave us momentum to believe in ourselves. Conference is still open. I'm sure we can make it far.”