TIFFIN -- In a game dominated by possession, the Heidelberg University men's soccer team dropped their third consecutive OAC contest by a 1-0 scoreline to Marietta College on Saturday afternoon. 

With the loss, Heidelberg fell to 2-8-1, 0-3, while Marietta improved to 6-6, 1-2. 

The first half was played primarily in the middle third of the field with both sides generating just nine shots total and only one on target. Many of those shot attempts came in flurries as neither side truly threatened the frame. 

Out of the break, the visitors came out as the aggressors, registering seven shots in the first 20 minutes of the period. For the most part, Heidelberg staved away the pressure, but in the 72nd, Caden Ferguson broke the deadlock. 

The Pioneer midfielder received a throw-in from Dave Beattie and lashed the bouncing ball into the far side netting for the only strike of the match. 

The Student Princes nearly responded just two minutes later as Jackson Janetski's strike from just outside the box fell on top of the net. 

Just before the final whistle, Kyle Morton tried his luck in the area but his desperation strike was blocked by a Marietta defender. 

In all, Marietta took 15 shots compared the Heidelberg's nine. However, the Pioneers narrowly held a 3-1 edge with shots on goal. 

Ryan Newman was credited with two saves on the afternoon, while Dakota Penquite stopped the lone shot he faced from Jalen Trammell. 

The Berg will be back on the field on Wednesday afternoon at Hidden Valley as Baldwin Wallace visits for a 4 p.m. kickoff.