April 7, 2008

The Dayton Flyers opened their spring schedule unblemished in the loss column after going 1-0-2 in weekend action.

The Flyers tied the Ohio State Buckeyes 2-2, the Bowling Green State Falcons 0-0 and earned a 3-1 win over the Bradley Braves at the Dayton Spring Tournament.

In the Ohio State contest junior Florian DeCamps and sophomore Jeff Popella scored the goals for UD. Dayton sophomore Alex Davis preserved the tie in goal for UD against the 2007 national runner-up.

Ohio State got on the score board first after a ball over the top was run on to by a Buckeye who was able to pass the ball into the goal past an onrushing Davis in the Dayton net.

UD responded to tie the game at 1-1 when DeCamps connected on a penalty kick. DeCamps drew the attempt after he ran onto a ball in the box and touched the ball past the Buckeye keeper who in turn tripped him in the zone.

Dayton then took the lead when Popella converted on a shot thanks to good ball movement from the back. Davis punted the ball to sophomore Isaac Kissi who flicked it with his head over the Buckeye defense to Popella. Popella connected on a rebound shot from DeCamps to put UD ahead 2-1.

But the lead wouldn't last as the Buckeyes scored a few minutes later with some good passing of their own to tie the game at 2-2.

In the second game UD forced another tie, this time 0-0 to the Bowling Green State Falcons. The second game for both teams did not slow down the intensity or the tackles as this game ended up tied after 60 minutes of action. While both teams had some good play, neither team could mount much in the attack which can be accredited to some good defense.

Then on Sunday the Flyer offense got going with a 3-1 triumph over the Bradley Braves. Sophomore Zach Weiss, sophomore Ryan Hartman and freshman Tommy Watkins recorded the goals for UD.

DeCamps switched the point of attack with a big diagonal pass to Weiss who is making a great run forward. Weiss gets on the end of the pass and slots it past the keeper for a 1-0 scoreline.

Bradley scores after a defensive miscue gives the Braves a chance which was well struck from 30 yards out.

After some good build up play, the ball found its way to the corner where Hartman gathered the ball and dribbled towards the edge of the 18. He then hit a curling shot far post that found the side netting putting the Flyers ahead 2-1

Early in the second half, a foul was called near the end line.Sophomore Sonny Renner stepped up and delivered a great service which found Watkins. Watkins directed the header with power into the back of the net giving the Braves keeper no chance.

UD will now hit the road for a two-game stretch on Saturday, April 12 in Charleston, W.Va. The Flyers play against the Northern Kentucky Norse at 12:45 p.m. ET. The following game will take place at 2 p.m. ET as UD battles the Marshall Thundering Herd.