MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg continued to show their high level of skill in conference play against Wesley College Wednesday night. Unfortunately in the final five minutes, one scoring opportunity was all it would take for the Wolverines to squeak one by for the win.
The Lions record does not show the true performance and ability of this young squad. Their 3-8-1 record is arguably one of the most deceiving in division III. I make this statement without regard because I have seen them out possess teams time and time again this season. They have made their fair share of mistakes to give away a few goals, but the common element that is missing this year is in the final offensive third.
Harrisburg started Wednesday games against Wesley by creating some quality goal scoring chances very early. Despite the great ball movement and quality opportunities, the Lions did not get a shot on target. Forward Justin Henderson (Cherry Hill, N.J. / Cherry Hill East) beat the Wesley GK inside the 18 yard box and was then tripped up, however the referee let the play continue and the scoring chance dissipated quickly.
The first half was played mostly on Harrsiburg's offensive end. With less than seven minutes to play in the half, junior Hakan Demircan (Wiesbaden, Germany / Wiesbaden American) had the goalie beat with his 35 yard shot that hit the top corner crossbar and bounced back into play. The game remained scoreless going into halftime.
The second half started similar to the first. The Blue and White created a couple more great opportunities early, hoping to break their three game streak without a goal. Forward Jon Willingham (Harrisburg, Pa. / Sci-Tech High) had the best chance of the half in the first ten minutes when his header made it over the encroaching Wesley keeper, but again the ball just missed a few inches wide. Wesley started to change the momentum and evened things out as the second half wound down.
Wesley's hard working efforts paid off when a cross went into the box with under five minutes to play. The Wolverine Oluwatobi Sowande was in the right place at the right time directed his close shot into the net for the late game winner.
The lions played some great limited touch and team passing soccer today. It was really impressive to watch. Unfortunately as Harrisburg has not been able to finish, it has allowed many of these big and strong teams to take advantage of some dangerous long balls and set pieces to pick up wins over the Lions.
Harrisburg still has their playoff future in their hands with five remaining conference games to close out the season. They face off against Mary Washington for Alumni Weekend Saturday at home for a 4:00 kick off where they hope to gain back the momentum the team had earlier in the year.