Ashland University's men's soccer team scored in the sixth minute on Thursday (Sept. 18) afternoon and didn't look back, taking a 4-1 decision from Northwood at Ferguson Field for the Eagles' initial win of 2025 in both Great Midwest Athletic Conference play and at home.
In its annual Morgan's Message game, Ashland improved to 2-2-1 overall and 1-1 in the Great Midwest. The Timberwolves are 0-2-2, 0-1.
"Tuesday was a tough game for us," said Ashland head coach
Nick Roberts, referencing the 2-1 home loss late to Tiffin. "I thought we played very well Tuesday, but we didn't take care of business in the last 10 minutes.
"We needed to come back and get a win today, especially at home. They're working hard, and they got the result in the end."
Playing in just his fifth collegiate game, freshman forward
Tom Woodward earned his second collegiate brace – scoring in the sixth minute on a pass from senior forward
Rodri Jimenez, then in the 37
th minute on a feed from sophomore midfielder
Lewis Hill.
"He's a traditional old No. 9," Roberts said of Woodward. "He's truly a No. 9. He brings something new to the team this year, a different dimension."
In between those two goals, senior forward
Soshi Tanaka potted his second goal of the fall, unassisted, in the 14
th minute. Tanaka then earned his first career brace in the 72
nd minute, and his third goal of 2025, when assisted by sophomore defender
Hugo Dunger and freshman defender
Dylan Fetherston.
"Soshi's always good for goals, and I still think he has a lot more in him," said Roberts. "He's doing well."
A COMPLETE VICTORY
- Ashland topped Northwood in shots on Thursday, 15-10, and in corner kicks, 7-4.
- Sophomore goalkeeper Alvaro Boned made four stops in the win.
NEXT UP
Back on the road to take on Ohio Dominican in Columbus, Ohio, at 5 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 24).
