Middletown, Pa. - The Penn State Harrisburg men's soccer team hosted their home opener on Thursday September 1st against the visiting Hampden-Sydney Tigers.  After nearly 80 minutes with both teams fighting to take control, the Tigers struck first and once more in the final minutes to take home a 2-0 win.  

The first half was filled with defensive efforts from both teams with very few shots getting off or needing the be kept at bay from either goalkeeper.  As the game progressed, the attacking dynamic from both squads slowly improved and started to create opportunities.  Penn State dominated the corner kick tally with a 7-2 margin, but were unable to make the most of the set piece chances.  

As the game heated up, so did the scoreboard.  Unfortunately for Penn State Harrisburg both goals to come on the day were at their expense.  The Tigers Ryan Turner claimed the game winner with his goal in the 78th minute, while William Jackson secured the win by scoring in the 89th to close out the game.  Senior captain Brandon Hoover had two saves on the night. 

Penn State did show a few moments of magic, but will need to figure out their offensive presence for success this season.  First year Head Coach Daniel Krzyzanowicz is getting adjusted to the squad and the new pitch, after nearly 20 years at Medaille in Buffalo New York.  We can only hope he helps the Lions to similar success here as Coack K is just three wins away from an impressive 200th career win.  

Harrisburg hits the road over the next week, starting with a trip to Niagra Falls where the men will face off against D'Youville College on Saturday at 2:00 pm.  Their Sunday schedule will be determined based on the result from Saturday.