The Penn State men's soccer knew today's game against first place and rival Penn State Abington would be important. Especially, after a tie and loss last weekend changed the Harrisburg lions hope for a first place finish to a new goal of making sure they find themselves in the playoff picture.
After today's struggle and eventual 4-1 loss to Abington, the pressure to get a win in their last conference match becomes a must win scenario. Despite the 4-1 result, Harrisburg had the ball on their attacking half more than their defensive side and a small advantage in possession. Unfortunately, some loose defending which turned into allowing some easy goals put Harrisburg down 4-0 in the first half alone.
The second half would improve some as Alex Belanger (Carlisle, Pa/ Big Spring) was able to grab his long awaited first goal of the season. Belanger is currently the team's leading assist man with four. Unfortunately, the damage done in the first half would prove to be too much to overcome.
Harrisburg only has two games left to light the fire that will hopefully get them two more wins and a place in the North Eastern Atlantic Conference playoffs. Thursday they travel to Bryn Athryn College followed up by a home game against another conference rival PSU Berks Saturday October 27th at 2:00PM.
Come out next Saturday and root on the lions as they fight for a hopeful win and the opportunity to make it to a 3rd straight NEAC championship final.