Sophomore Colin Link dribbles down the wing against Ohio Northern. (Dania Backal | Student Life)

In its final non-conference game of the season, the Washington University’s men’s soccer team mauled the No. 14 Ohio Northern University, melting the Polar Bears’ ranking with a dominant 2-0 victory on a brisk Saturday afternoon. The win was a statement of intent as the Bears, 6-2-1, head into University Athletic Association (UAA) play with momentum and confidence, proving they can compete with the nation’s best.

In the first half, the match had all the makings of a defensive battle. Both teams came in prepared for a physical contest, with Ohio Northern pushing hard to justify its national ranking. The Polar Bears, known for their high-powered offense, tested WashU early, but the Bears defense, led by sophomore goalkeeper Owen Ross, held firm. Even when Ohio Northern had the wind at its back, WashU’s defense stayed composed, with Ross making a few key saves to keep the score level heading into halftime.

“I thought we dealt with the first half really, really well…[with] the wind in our face, against a good team,” head coach Andrew Bordelon said after the game. “They made it difficult, but still, we were very solid in the back, and we also created three good looks in that first half.”

The wind may have favored Ohio Northern in the first half, but the second half belonged to WashU. With the Polar Bears tiring and the wind at their backs, the Bears began to press forward more aggressively. The deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute when a corner kick from junior Zach Susee found the head of sophomore Quentin Gomez, who guided the ball past the outstretched hands of the Ohio Northern goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead. Though primarily a defender, Gomez’s height and aerial ability have turned him into a set-piece specialist, already netting five goals this season. 

“I just look for the guy with the long, shaggy hair in the box,” Susee said. “Put two guys on him, and he’ll still jump over them. It’s really all him.” 

Less than three minutes later, WashU struck again. After receiving the ball just past the midfield line, Susee found space, dribbled past a defender, and fired a low shot into the corner of the net to double the lead, sealing the game. This was his fifth goal of the season, and it carried a little extra meaning after last week’s loss to Wheaton College.

“I think it’s just about being sharp and focused,” Susee said after the game. “We weren’t that way 100% last weekend, but this week in practice, we made it the focus. Staying locked in. We believed in ourselves, and I think today we showed what we’re capable of.”

Ohio Northern tried to respond, but WashU’s defense didn’t give them an inch. Ross and the backline were impenetrable, calmly turning away any attempts the Polar Bears made to claw their way back into the game. This marked the first time that Ohio Northern had been shut out all season, a testament to the Bears’ defensive organization and resilience. Ross finished the game with two saves, but the defense’s collective effort truly made the difference.

This win was more than just another check in the victory column — it was a momentum-builder, the kind of result that can define a season. After some challenging non-conference games, this was the performance the Bears needed as they transition into UAA play, one of the toughest conferences in Division III.

“I think we have full confidence and belief in ourselves,” Bordelon said. “Anytime you play a ranked opponent, there’s a little extra pressure. But the coolest thing about this group is that we always focus on ourselves and how we can improve each week.”

WashU’s non-conference journey has been full of lessons, with some tough losses alongside dominant victories. Bordelon’s most important takeaway from this stretch is his players’ adaptability in implementing new ideas.

“What I’ve learned is that, even when results didn’t go our way, our performances were solid for most of the game,” Bordelon said. “But I’m really proud of how adaptable these guys are, willing to take on new ideas and philosophies. That’s a massive credit to their ability to comprehend what we’re looking for and execute it.”

With a 6-2-1 record and a defense that has allowed only nine goals in nine games, WashU is ready to take on UAA competition. Its first test comes against defending conference champions Emory University in Atlanta, a team that has yet to win at home this season. After the big win over Ohio Northern, WashU is ready. The Bears have found their rhythm at the right time and enter conference play confident that they can compete with anyone.

“We said we weren’t leaving the field without a win, and it’s a great way to enter UAA play,” Susee said. “We’re ready for what comes next.”