MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's men's soccer team had its chances but was unable to find the back of the net in a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Lebanon Valley on a gloomy Saturday afternoon. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Penn State Harrisburg (1-2-1) and LVC (3-1) went back and forth in an evenly-contested matchup on Saturday but the Flying Dutchmen got the break they needed late in the first half, converted what proved to be the game-winner, and held off the home team down the stretch.

In his first action of the young season, a returning Kobe Harris nearly gave the Lions the lead in the 36th minute but his empty-net header was turned away with a key defensive save by LVC's Ben Ammon. 

The impressive defensive stop by the Dutchmen proved even more valuable moments later when Connor Given inserted a corner kick and Aaron Weitzel headed it home to give the visitors a slim advantage with just 33 seconds remaining in the opening half. 

The home team tried to draw even in the second half, getting off three shots and earning a pair of corner kicks but Lebanon Valley goalkeeper Dalton Fitterling and his back line proved game in key moments, keeping the Lions off the board and escaping with the narrowest of victories. 

NOTABLES 

- Early in the second half, the game was delayed for nearly 45 minutes due to lightning. 

- Saturday's contest was the fourth meeting between the two programs and the first since 2019. 

- Each team got off six shots on goal. 

- LVC managed six corner kicks, while the Lions earned five. 

- Penn State Harrisburg goalkeeper Shayon Kashi made four saves on the night.

- Fitterling made five stops in goal to earn the win. 

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions face another tough test when they host No. 18 Franklin & Marshall under the lights on Wednesday night. 

STAY CONNECTED 

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.