Hamid Shariff's goal in 

the seventh minute, his third of the year, gave Heidelberg (3-2-2) and early lead and allowed the team to relax.

"We were very dominant the first 20 minutes with passing and movement," said Haley, in his 26th season.

Alexis Mendoza iced the contest with a goal in the 72nd minute, coming off a feed from Tyler Eoff. For the freshman, it was his fourth goal of the season.

"Defiance came out strong in the second half, but our second goal killed the game off," said Haley. "It was good to bounce back."

Defiance (1-5-1) only mustered three shots, none of which required a save by Matthew Stevens. It was the senior's second shutout of the season and ninth of his career.

Haley's side hosts Grove City College on Saturday. Kickoff at the Hidden Valley Soccer Complex is at 2 p.m.