The John Carroll University and Ohio Northern University men's soccer rivalry was renewed again with the Blue Streaks winning the OAC Tournament Championship 0-0 (5-4 PK's). With another championship on the line, both sides did not disappoint. Back and forth physical play created a one of a kind atmosphere at Don Shula Stadium. 

Freshman Larry Cersosimo buried the final sudden death penalty kick to send the Blue Streaks into the NCAA Tournament with an automatic bid for the second time in three seasons. Cersosimo made it sound simple saying,  "I just stepped up and hit it."

Apparently, it is not that easy.

Both teams started off slow on the offensive end, as no goals were scored at the break. The first half consisted of six shots by the Polar Bears and five shots by the Blue Streaks. ONU dominated the first half corner kick tally with five compared to zero by JCU. 

In the second half, both teams had their chances, but neither could capitalize which sent the game into overtime. Senior Jarrod McDowell had one of those key opportunities. McDowell carried the ball across field and attempted a shot from distance. Although his shot snuck by ONU goalkeeper Will Velotta, the ball bounced off the post failing to reach the back of the net.

At the end of regulation, both teams were held to a scoreless tie which forced the match into overtime. Ohio Northern held the 12-8 advantage over John Carroll in shots, but not one found the back of the net.

In the first overtime JCU dominated possession but the Polar Bears had the lone opportunity to score. The Polar Bears sprung out to add one shot but it would not be enough. The match would head to a second overtime.

The Blue Streaks would hold the 2-1 advantage in shots, but, once again, no goals were scored at the end of overtime. The OAC Tournament Championship would go into penalty kicks.

Seniors Eric Rozsits, Matt Nigro, and Jarrod McDowell and sophomore Jared Ianiro all contributed goals in the PK portion of the game. 

Senior goalkeeper Liam McIntosh would once again come up huge, stopping three penalty kicks for the Blue Streaks. In the match, McIntosh capped the night off.

"He always shows up for us. We can always count on Liam. He is unbelievable," said Ianiro.

"My mindset was that I have been here before. Four years ago, we went to PK's. I try to get a hit on where they are going, but it is a guessing game. It is a goalie's worst fear. You miss one shot and your season is over," said McIntosh.

Head coach Hector Marinaro said afterwards, "Kudos to ONU, tremendous credit to them, they pushed us to the limit tonight. PK's can go anyway at any time and we are just happy it went our way."

The Blue Streaks take an eight-game win streak into the NCAA Tournament, with aspirations to keep the momentum going. "Survive and move on," said Marinaro.

You know what they say, sometimes you can't write a script like that. 

The Blue and Gold will learn their opponent in the NCAA Tournament in the Division-III selection show on Monday, November 5.