TIFFIN, Ohio – The Tiffin University men's soccer team (1-1) scored once in the first half and once in the second half to claim a 2-0 shutout win on Sunday afternoon at the Paradiso Athletic Complex for their first victory of 2026.
The Dragons dominated the first half offensively, recording a 9-1 shot advantage over the Wildcats and in the 27th minute, finally broke through. A cross into the box got loose, deflected off a Northern Michigan defender, and landed at the feet off Zach Garcia who rifled the ball into the upper right corner to make it 1-0.
Northern Michigan turned up the offensive pressure in the second half, but the Dragons got a huge break when their game-tying goal in the 69th was wiped off the board for being offsides. 11 minutes later, TU got some breathing room as Callum Ellington found Noah Purtz who put it into the net to make it 2-0. Ellington's initial shot was saved by the NMU goalkeeper, but the ball remained loose where Ellington dished it over to Purtz for the header.
Sam Brittain nearly made it 3-0 with five seconds remaining, but the ball hit the right post.
Nick Cherry got the win in goal and recorded one save in 90 minutes.
The Tiffin defense held the Wildcats to five shot attempts with only one landing on goal. Both teams had five corner kick chances.
Tiffin's opening homestand continues on Thursday, Sept. 3 for a 3 p.m. matchup against Saginaw Valley State at the Paradiso Athletic Complex.
