Men’s Soccer Earns Second Straight Draw Against Merrimack

Saturday, September 13

Hanover, N.H.

7:00 PM

Dartmouth College

0-1-3, 0-0-0

Merrimack

2-2-1, 0-0-0

Merrimack

Dartmouth

Men’s Soccer Earns Second Straight Draw Against Merrimack

9/13/2025 10:25:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Bo Oshoniyi Postgame Interview

By: Rebecca Osowski

HANOVER, N.H. – Following Tuesday's draw on the road against No. 13 Vermont, the Big Green returned to action, this time at home, facing the Merrimack Warriors.

Both Dartmouth and Merrimack found the back of the net in the first half but were unable to score again as the two teams played to a 1-1 tie.

Merrimack thought they opened the scoring in the first half, but an offsides call brought the goal back, keeping the game scoreless.

In the 29^th minute, Dartmouth broke the 0-0 score, as first-year Olly Spicer took a free kick from right outside the box, arching it in and past the Warriors' keeper to give his team a 1-0 lead.

This was only Spicer's second appearance of the season, and Bobby Clark Head Coach of Men's Soccer Bo Oshoniyi was happy with his rookie midfielder's performance.

"Olly coming in and scoring from a free kick was really exciting," Oshoniyi said. "I think he's going to have a great fall."

Right before the first half came to a close, Merrimack found the equalizer, sending the game into halftime knotted at one.

Neither team was able to score in the second half, but not for a lack of opportunities. The Big Green recorded five shots and took three corners in the second half. They also had a strong scoring opportunity as time expired, but the Warriors played tough, forcing the game to stay knotted at one.

Merrimack had their fair share of chances in the second half as well, but Matt McPherson stayed strong in his first career start and game in goal for the Big Green. The senior made four total saves.

"I was happy for Matt to get his first collegiate start," Oshoniyi said about his keeper. "I was hoping we could get a shutout for him, but I thought he played pretty well."

While the Big Green had moments, Oshoniyi described Saturday's game as lackluster. "We just have to learn from it. We kind of shot ourselves in the foot… We're going to figure out what we have to do better collectively as a group and make sure we're ready to go for Wednesday."

Dartmouth will be back in action on Wednesday, hosting the Northeastern Huskies for Student Appreciation Night. The message to his team, focusing on quality.

"I don't think our energy was bad. I just think our overall quality on the ball, wasn't good enough," Oshoniyi said. "We had unforced turnovers that led them to counters against us. So for me, I'm really looking for overall quality on the ball, a little bit more composure to be able to play in half spaces and then be able to create some chances from our possession."

Hear from Bobby Clark Head Coach Bo Oshoniyi following today's draw.#GoBigGreen | #TheWoods pic.twitter.com/ct4mEJSgy9
— Dartmouth Men's Soccer (@DartmouthMSoc) September 14, 2025

Overall, Oshoniyi is excited for his team and believes they will continue to learn and get better the more games they play.

Kickoff on Wednesday, September 17 against the Huskies is set for 7 p.m. Students in attendance at Burnham Field will receive free snacks and drinks while supplies last. You can watch the game on ESPN+, follow the live stats on DartmouthSports.com, or purchase tickets to watch the Big Green live here.