Posted: Oct 09, 2012
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - The Penn State Harrisburg men's soccer team had their first letdown game of the season against Juniata College on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Despite outshooting the Eagles, the Lions had to accept a 1-0 loss.
The blue and white has built themselves a reputation for the consistent hard work-rate they bring to every match. Unfortunately, against the Eagles, they must have left the car running and ran out of gas for the first time this season.
A first half goal from Juniata was all it would take to clinch the win. Even running on fumes, Penn State Harrisburg was able to create more than a few opportunities. Early in the second half, Tommy Miller (Palmyra, Pa. / Palmyra) took a well-placed free kick that struck the right goal post and bounced out. The Lions continued to press and created a total of 14 shots on the day.
The second best chance for the Lions came with less than two minutes to go in the game. Justin Henderson (Cherry Hill, N.J. / Cherry Hill East) fought his way through the last Eagle defender creating a great scoring opportunity, but as he was pulled back, he did not get the call or the shot he hoped for as the goalkeeper made the final save on the day.
"I suppose it was always bound to happen that we would have a below-par performance," said Penn State Harrisburg Head Coach Seamus Donnelly. "We have been working hard as a group since mid- August and we have been on a steady improvement curve. I have challenged these boys every day and they have responded so well. Today we were flat and a little off-key but I am sure that this group will respond and get back on track at practice tomorrow and be ready for the weekend."
The Lions host two huge North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) games against Cazenovia on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. as well as Morrisville St. on Sunday, Oct. 14 also at 2 p.m. Both games will be very important as conference playoffs are just around the corner and every point is getting more and more crucial.