By: Paul Dickerson

HIRAM, Ohio – The Hiram College men's soccer team survived a late rally from the Wabash (Ind.) to close out a 2-1 victory in a NCAC showdown on Saturday night.

The Terriers improved to 6-6-2 on the season and 2-3-0 in the NCAC, while the Little Giants fall to 9-3-2, 1-2-2.

The first half of action featured a defensive-oriented game with Hiram only getting off three shots, all from senior Richie Webb (London, England/Laude Lady Elizabeth Academy). 

The Little Giants only managed one shot in the first half, while the Terriers fired three.

Junior Jake Pastore (Canton/GlenOak) broke a scoreless tie at the 68:09 mark with his first collegiate goal from 25 yards out. Junior Zac Cairns (North Olmsted/St. Edward) assisted on the play.

Cairns later headed in a goal of his own at the 83:00 mark off of the assist from sophomore Richard Milford (Akron/University of Akron) to put the Terriers up 2-0. Cairns now has a team-high seven goals on the season.

The Terriers shutout did not last more than two minutes, after Mike Gore scored at the 84:37 mark on a failed clear deep in Hiram territory.

However, the Little Giants' late push for overtime didn't materialize as the Terriers held on for the last few minutes of the game.

Sophomore Chris Lindemeyer (Lodi, Ohio/Cloverleaf) picked up the win and moves to 2-1-2 on the season. Senior Matt Sacher (Akron/Coventry) posted a scoreless first half in goal and also played the final few minutes in the contest.

Hiram's defense was tough and limited the Little Giants to just three shots and no corner kicks.

Hiram continues a three-game homestand Tuesday night as they take on the No. 9-ranked Kenyon at 7:30 p.m.