PERRYSBURG, Ohio — A nine-year wait came to an end on the campus of Owens Community College on Wednesday. The Express men's soccer team netted a momentous victory to open the fall season.
Before its program shut down in 2015, current head coach Nate Baer played for Owens CC. He helped guide the group to a Regional Finals appearance and a 15-5-2 record during his last stint as a student-athlete in 2007.
Following a career that included coaching at Ottawa Hills High School, the institution named Baer its new leader after deciding to reestablish the soccer program.
"It's hard to put words into it," Baer said. "I think about my time here back in 2006 and 2007. With the countless number of great teams and players, it just means a lot to help restart it and lead that effort."
After generating a coaching staff and fielding a team, the new-look Owens Express competed in its first official match. They defeated Lorain County Community College 12-0 in the 2024 season opener at home.
Seven different players found the back of the net, including freshman Brandon Lingo who not only tallied the first goal but ended up with a hat trick.
"It was an honor to be back and with the nine years away, it's great to have a program back here at Owens," the recent Ottawa Hills graduate said. "Nate put in a bunch of work in the offseason, bringing in a bunch of quality guys. It's nice to get the first win in the first game."
Caden Betcher (Whitmer HS), Jaali Peterson (Scott HS) & Dillan Blosser (Van Buren HS) each added two goals to the effort, while Maximus York (Delta HS), Ethan Wilson (Genoa HS) and Matias Bivini Angue also found the scoresheet.
Owens CC will head to Terra State on Wednesday, Sept. 4 for its next match. The return of the Express comes a year after the women's soccer program came out of dormancy last season following its disbandment in 2015 as well.